Project description:Analysis of the differences in phosphorylation in two ferroptosis subtypes (Hemin vs classical erastin-induced ferroptosis) in neurons, and sensitivity of these changes in phosphorylation levels to treatment with ferroptosis suppressor and MEK inhibitor U0126.
Project description:Genome wide DNA methylation profiling of control and mTORC2-suppressed glioblastoma cells (U87-EGFRvIII cells). The Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation EPIC BeadChip Array was used to obtain DNA methylation profiles with 865,918 probes in glioblastoma cell line samples. Samples included 2 control U87-MG cells without mTORC2 suppresion, and mTORC2-knockdown U87-MG cells with lentivirus-mediated suppression of mTORC2.
Project description:To screen miRNAs specifically regulated by mTORC1 or mTORC2, a global miRNA expression profile in MCF-7 cells treated with rapamycin or PP242 (mTORC1/2 kinase inhibitor) was developed using microarray. control, rapamycin or PP242 treated human MCF-7 cells were harvested 48h post-treatment and subjected to total RNA extraction.
Project description:The mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2) has been implicated as a key regulator of glioblastoma cell migration. However, the roles of mTORC2 in the migrational control process have not been entirely elucidated. Here we elaborate that mTORC2 is crucial for GBM cell motility. Inhibition of mTORC2 resulted in impaired cell movement, affecting microfilaments and microtubules' functions. Later, we quantitatively characterized the mTORC2 interactome using affinity-purification mass spectrometry (AP-MS) in glioblastoma. We demonstrated that changes in cell migration ability alter mTORC2-associated proteins. These interacting proteins help determine the capability of glioma cell movement.
Project description:mTORC2 senses nutrients and coordinates substrate metabolism and macromolecule synthesis program with the availability of external nutrient availability. Knockdown of mTORC2 components and its chaperone partners impairs both nutrient sensing and downstrem metabolism/growth programs.
Project description:Fasting triggers diverse physiological adaptations including increases in circulating fatty acids and mitochondrial respiration to facilitate organismal survival. The mechanisms driving mitochondrial adaptations and respiratory sufficiency during fasting remain incompletely understood. Here we show that fasting or lipid availability stimulates mTORC2 activity. Activation of mTORC2 and phosphorylation of its downstream target NDRG1 at Ser336 sustains mitochondrial fission and respiratory sufficiency. Timelapse imaging shows that NDRG1, but not phosphorylation-deficient NDRG1Ser336Ala mutant, engages with mitochondria to facilitate fission in both control and Drp1-deficient cells, reflecting independency from Drp1. Using proteomics, an siRNA screen, and epistasis experiments, we show that mTORC2-phosphorylated NDRG1 cooperates with small GTPase Cdc42 and effectors and regulators of Cdc42 to orchestrate fission. Accordingly, RictorKO, NDRG1Ser336Ala mutants, and Cdc42-deficient cells each display mitochondrial phenotypes reminiscent of fission failure. During nutrient surplus, mTOR complexes perform anabolic functions; however, paradoxical reactivation of mTORC2 during fasting unexpectedly drives mitochondrial fission and respiration.
Project description:The mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2) is essential for embryonic development but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Here we show that disruption of mTORC2 in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) considerably alters the balance of Rho/Rac signaling and reduces cell adhesion. Although these changes have no clear effect on their self-renewal and the expression of pluripotent markers, they significantly impede BMP-induced activation of canonical WNT genes, leading to impaired mesendoderm differentiation. Direct activation of the downstream WNT pathway by inhibiting GSK3 dramatically improves mesendoderm differentiation in mTORC2-deficient hESCs. Our studies uncover a new mechanism by which mTORC2 regulates cell fate determination and link the intercellular contacts with the activation of WNT genes.
Project description:We herein demonstrate that mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2), a critical core component of the growth factor signaling system, globally alters histone acetylation through metabolic reprogramming in the highly malignant brain tumor glioblastoma (GBM). Integrated analyses unravel that mTORC2 regulates iron trafficking via histone H3K9 acetylation of the ferritin promoter, facilitating GBM growth and survival. These findings nominate mTORC2 as a critical epigenetic regulator of iron metabolism in cancer.
Project description:We herein demonstrate that mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2), a critical core component of the growth factor signaling system, globally alters histone modification as well as transcriptome through metabolic reprogramming in the highly malignant brain tumor glioblastoma (GBM). Integrated analyses unravel that mTORC2 regulates mineral metabolism including iron trafficking via histone H3K9 acetylation of the ferritin promoter, facilitating GBM growth and survival.
Project description:To screen miRNAs specifically regulated by mTORC1 or mTORC2, a global miRNA expression profile in MCF-7 cells treated with rapamycin or PP242 (mTORC1/2 kinase inhibitor) was developed using microarray.