Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “PI3K pathway”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 217 records · Page 12Linked to original sources

Multiple signaling pathways regulate FGF-2-induced retinal ganglion cell neurite extension and growth cone guidance.

Growth cones use cues in their environment in order to grow in a directed fashion to their targets. In Xenopus laevis, fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) participate in retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axon guidance in vivo and in vitro. The main intracellular signaling cascades known to act downstream of the FGF receptor include the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), phospholipase Cgamma (PLCgamma) and phosphotidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathways. We used pharmacological inhibitors to identify the signaling cascade(s) responsible for FGF-2-stimulated RGC axon extension and chemorepulsion. The MAPK, PI3K and PLCgamma pathways were blocked by U0126, LY249002 and U73122, respectively. D609 was used to test a role for the phosphotidylcholine-PLC (PC-PLC) pathway. We determined that the MAPK and two PLC pathways are required for FGF-2 to stimulate RGC neurite extension in vitro, but the response of axons to FGF-2 applied asymmetrically to the growth cone depended only on the PLC pathways.

Animals↗

Cytokine-induced phosphoinositide 3-kinase activity promotes Cdk2 activation in factor-dependent hematopoietic cells.

Cytokine growth factors regulate the proliferation of hematopoietic cells through activation of several distinct signaling pathways. We have assessed the contribution of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathways to erythropoietin (Epo) and interleukin (IL)-3-induced proliferation of factor-dependent hematopoietic cells. Lack of cytokine-induced PI3K activation caused by receptor mutation or treatment with a specific inhibitor (LY294002) did not prevent proliferation but resulted in an increase in the G1 phase content and doubling time of cell cultures. The reduced proliferation of cells lacking cytokine-induced PI3K activity could be partially restored by overexpressing constitutively active Akt. Inhibition of PI3K activity decreased the proportion of cytokine-treated cells entering S phase and was associated with a significant reduction in cytokine-induced phosphorylation and activation of Cdk2. By contrast, Cdk4 activity and p27(Kip1) expression were not significantly altered by inhibition of PI3K. Together, these observations identify a mechanism through which cytokine-activated PI3K contributes to G1 to S phase progression in factor-dependent hematopoietic cells by enhancing the phosphorylation and activation of Cdk2.

Animals↗

Implications of phosphoinositide 3-kinase in the mu- and delta-opioid receptor-mediated supraspinal antinociception in the mouse.

Phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) are a family of lipid kinases that activates signalling pathways. The present study was designed to investigate whether PI3K could be involved in supraspinal antinociception induced by intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of micro- and delta-opioid receptor agonists in the mouse. We demonstrated using the mouse warm-plate assay that the prototype of micro-opioid receptor agonist morphine, selective mu-opioid receptor agonist [D-Ala(2),N-Me-Phe(4),Gly(5)-ol]enkephalin (DAMGO) and delta-opioid receptor agonists [D-Ala(2)]deltorphin II and [D-Pen(2,5)]enkephalin (DPDPE) when given i.c.v. produced profound antinociceptive responses. Under these conditions, i.c.v. pretreatment with cell-permeable and specific PI3K inhibitors wortmannin (0.7-2.3 nmol) and LY294002 (3-33 nmol), which alone had no effects on the basal warm-plate latencies, caused a dose-dependent inhibition of either morphine-, DAMGO-, DPDPE- or [D-Ala(2)]deltorphin II-induced antinociception. Furthermore, LY294002 at 33 nmol significantly shifted the dose-response curves for DAMGO-, DPDPE- and [D-Ala(2)]deltorphin II-induced antinociception to the right. In the immunoblotting assay, we found that PI3K gamma is dense in the periaqueductal gray and lower medulla regions that include several key sites for the production of opioid-induced antinociception. Our findings provide evidence that central PI3K pathways may, at least in part, contribute to the expression of supraspinal antinociception induced by both mu- and delta-opioid receptor agonists in the mouse.

Analgesics, Opioid↗

Signaling pathways controlling primordial germ cell migration in zebrafish.

During their migration, zebrafish primordial germ cells (PGCs) rely on directional cues provided by the chemokine SDF-1a, whose receptor is CXCR4b. The molecular mechanisms whereby CXCR4b activation is interpreted intracellularly into directional migration are not known. Here we investigate the role of two important biochemical pathways -- G-protein-dependent and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-dependent signaling -- in directing PGC migration in zebrafish. We show that G proteins of the Gi family are essential for directional migration but not for PGC motility. Inhibition of PI3K signaling in PGCs slows down their migration and leads to abnormal cell morphology as well as to reduced stability of filopodia. Invariably, during directed PGC migration, the distribution of the products of PI3K activity - phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate [PtdIns(3,4,5)P(3)] and/or phosphatidylinositol (3,4)bisphosphate [PtdIns(3,4)P(2)] -- is not polarized, and reducing the level of these 3-phosphoinositides does not affect the ability of PGCs to migrate directionally. We therefore conclude that Gi-dependent signaling is essential for directional migration, whereas the PI3K pathway is important for the actual motility of PGCs.

Animals↗

Activated Notch1 inhibits p53-induced apoptosis and sustains transformation by human papillomavirus type 16 E6 and E7 oncogenes through a PI3K-PKB/Akt-dependent pathway.

Activated Notch1 (AcN1) alleles cooperate with oncogenes from DNA tumor viruses in transformation of epithelial cells. AcN1 signaling has pleiotropic effects, and suggested oncogenic roles include driving proliferation through cyclin D1 or the generation of resistance to apoptosis on matrix withdrawal through a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-PKB/Akt-dependent pathway. Here, we extend the antiapoptotic role for AcN1 by showing inhibition of p53-induced apoptosis and transactivation. Chemical inhibitors of the PI3K pathway block AcN1-induced inhibition of p53-dependent apoptosis and nuclear localization of Hdm2. We show that expression of wild-type p53 does not inhibit synergistic transformation by AcN1 and human papillomavirus E6 and E7 oncogenes. We suggest that activation of Notch signaling may serve as an additional mechanism to inhibit wild-type p53 function in papillomavirus-associated neoplasia.

3-Phosphoinositide-Dependent Protein Kinases↗

Differential regulation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase and MAP kinase pathways by hepatocyte growth factor vs. insulin-like growth factor-I in myogenic cells.

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) promotes the proliferation of adult myoblasts and inhibits their differentiation, whereas insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) enhances both processes. Recent studies indicate that activation of the phosphoinositide 3'-kinase (PI3K) pathway promotes myoblast differentiation, whereas activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (MAPK/ERK) promotes proliferation and inhibits their differentiation. This simple model is confounded by the fact that both HGF and IGF-I have been shown to activate both pathways. In this study, we have compared the ability of HGF and IGF-I to activate PI3K and MAPK/ERK in i28 myogenic cells. We find that, although the two stimuli result in comparable recruitment of the p85alpha subunit of PI3K into complexes with tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins, the p85beta regulatory subunit and p110alpha catalytic subunit of PI3K are preferentially recruited into these complexes in response to IGF-I. In agreement with this observation, IGF-I is much more potent than HGF in stimulating phosphorylation of Akt/PKB, a protein kinase downstream of PI3K. In contrast, MAPK/ERK phosphorylation was higher in response to HGF and lasted longer, relative to IGF-I. Moreover, the specific PI3K inhibitor, Wortmannin, abolished MAPK/ERK and Elk-1 phosphorylation in HGF-treated cells, suggesting the requirement of PI3K in mediating the HGF-induced MAPK pathway. UO126, a specific MAPK pathway inhibitor, had no effect on PI3K activity or Akt phosphorylation, implying that at least in muscle cells, the MAPK/ERK pathway is not required for HGF-induced PI3K activation. These results provide a biochemical rationale for the previous observations that HGF and IGF-I have opposite effects on myogenic cells, consistent with studies linking PI3K activation to differentiation and MAPK/ERK activation to proliferation in these cells. Moreover, the finding that PI3K activity is required for HGF-induced MAPK activation suggests its additional role in proliferation, rather than exclusively in the differentiation of adult myoblasts.

Animals↗

Erythropoietin protects the myocardium against reperfusion injury in vitro and in vivo.

OBJECTIVE: Erythropoietin (EPO) is a hormone that is currently used to treat patients with renal failure and anaemia. However, it has also been shown to protect against ischaemia/reperfusion injury; this protection occurring via activation of the ERK 1/2 and PI3K pathways. Since we have previously shown activation of ERK 1/2 and PI3K to be important for protection against reperfusion-induced injury in the myocardium, this study was designed to investigate its effect in the myocardium using both an isolated perfused rat heart and an in vivo rat recovery model of ischaemia-reperfusion. METHODS: Using an in vitro isolated rat heart model of 35 minutes ischaemia and 2 hours reperfusion, EPO (50 ng/ml) was administered to the rat myocardium 5 minutes prior to reperfusion for 20 minutes. The in vivo open-chest rat model consisted of 40 minutes ischaemia followed by 24 hours reperfusion with EPO (5000 U/kg) being administered at the point of reperfusion. RESULTS: In the isolated perfused heart studies 50 ng/ml EPO was found to provide protection with a % I/R of 22.9% +/- 6.4 vs 54.5% +/- 7.4 for the ischaemic control group. To examine the mechanistic pathways involved in EPO-mediated protection, we co-administered the ERK 1/2 inhibitor, U0126 (10 uM) or the PI3K inhibitors, wortmannin, (100 nM) and LY294002 (15 microM) at reperfusion. U0126, wortmannin and LY294002 all abrogated EPO-mediated protection (% I/R 49.2% +/- 5.6, 46.1% +/- 5.5 and 49.9% +/- 6.1 respectively, p < 0.05). In the in vivo open-chest rat model, the % I/R was significantly attenuated in EPO-treated animals from 53.6 % +/- 3.7 in the control to 32.5% +/- 2.9 (p < 0.05). Likewise, wortmannin abrogated EPO-mediated protection (% I/R 50.7 +/- 2.3 v EPO 32.5% +/- 2.9, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We demonstrate that EPO, administered at the point of reperfusion, reduced infarct size in an isolated perfused rat heart, in an ERK and PI3K dependent manner; in addition the mechanism was also confirmed in a whole animal model of ischaemia-reperfusion. These results suggest that EPO may be able to directly protect the myocardium against lethal reperfusion-induced injury and so offer the myocardium an additional clinical advantage over and above its ability to improve the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood.

Animals↗

Human leptin activates PI3K and MAPK pathways in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells: possible role of Sam68.

Leptin, the adipocyte-secreted hormone that centrally regulates weight control, is known to function as an immunomodulatory regulator. Thus, we have recently found that human leptin promotes stimulation and proliferation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In the present work, we sought to study the mechanisms underlying these effects. First, we have assessed the presence of the long isoform of the human leptin receptor by RT-PCR. Next, we have studied tyrosine phosphorylation of cell proteins in response to leptin stimulation. We have found that leptin receptor, IRS-1 and the RNA-binding protein Sam68 are tyrosine phosphorylated upon leptin challenge in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-1 and Sam68 promotes their association with p85, the regulatory subunit of PI3K, and this association leads to the stimulation of PI3K activity. On the other hand, the leptin-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of Sam68 mediates the dissociation from RNA as assessed by Sepharose-conjugated poly(U) binding. Finally, leptin receptor activation also triggers MAPK signaling pathway. Thus, leptin dose-dependently stimulates tyrosine and threonine phosphorylation of MAPK in mononuclear cells. In summary, the present work demonstrates the presence of the long isoform of the human leptin receptor in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and the activation of two signaling pathways, PI3K and MAPK. The effects on Sam68 phosphorylation may modulate its binding to RNA, although the physiological implications remain to be studied. These signal transduction pathways may mediate the described effects of human leptin on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

United at last: the tuberous sclerosis complex gene products connect the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt pathway to mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling.

The molecular interplay between the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling in the control of cell growth and proliferation has been the subject of much interest and debate amongst cell biologists. A recent escalation of research in this area has come from the discovery of the tuberous sclerosis complex gene products, tuberin and hamartin, as central regulators of mTOR activation. The PI3K effector Akt/protein kinase B has been found to directly phosphorylate tuberin and is thereby thought to activate mTOR through inhibition of the tuberin-hamartin complex. The many recent studies aimed at defining the molecular nature of this revamped PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway are reviewed here. The collective data discussed have laid the groundwork for important new insights into the many cancers caused by aberrant PI3K activation and the clinically challenging tuberous sclerosis complex disease and have suggested a possible means of treatment for both.

Genes, Tumor Suppressor↗

Erythropoietin regulation of Raf-1 and MEK: evidence for a Ras-independent mechanism.

Stimulation of the erythropoietin (EPO) receptor triggers a cascade of signaling events. We reported that EPO upregulates c-myc expression through 2 pathways in BaF3-EpoR cells--a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway operating on transcriptional initiation and a Raf-1-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway affecting elongation. We now show that EPO induces phosphorylation of Raf-1 at serine 338 and within the carboxy-terminal domain, resulting in an electrophoretic mobility change (hyperphosphorylation). Importantly, MEK 1 inhibitor PD98059 blocked only the hyperphosphorylation of Raf-1 but not the phosphorylation at serine 338. This inhibition of Raf-1 hyperphosphorylation resulted in increased kinase activity of Raf-1 and increased phosphorylation of MEK, suggesting that the hyperphosphorylation of Raf-1 inhibits its MEK kinase activity. Deletion of the first 184 amino acids of Raf-1, which are involved in its interaction with Ras, had no effect on EPO-induced phosphorylation. Introducing the dominant-negative N17Ras or GAP had no effect on EPO-induced kinase activity of Raf-1 and ELK activation. N17Ras failed to inhibit ELK activation in another cell line-Rauscher murine erythroleukemia- which expresses the EPO receptor endogenously and differentiates in response to the hormone. These results indicate the presence of a Ras-independent mechanism for Raf-1 and MEK activation in these cells.

Animals↗

Tauroursodeoxycholic acid prevents amyloid-beta peptide-induced neuronal death via a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-dependent signaling pathway.

Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), an endogenous bile acid, modulates cell death by interrupting classic pathways of apoptosis. Amyloid-beta (Abeta) peptide has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, where a significant loss of neuronal cells is thought to occur by apoptosis. In this study, we explored the cell death pathway and signaling mechanisms involved in Abeta-induced toxicity and further investigated the anti-apoptotic effect(s) of TUDCA. Our data show significant induction of apoptosis in isolated cortical neurons incubated with Abeta peptide. Apoptosis was associated with translocation of pro-apoptotic Bax to the mitochondria, followed by cytochrome c release, caspase activation, and DNA and nuclear fragmentation. In addition, there was almost immediate but weak activation of the serine/threonine protein kinase Akt. Inhibition of the phosphatidylinositide 3 prime-OH kinase (PI3K) pathway with wortmannin did not markedly affect Abeta-induced cell death, suggesting that this signaling pathway is not crucial for Abeta-mediated toxicity. Notably, co-incubation with TUDCA significantly modulated each of the Abeta-induced apoptotic events. Moreover, wortmannin decreased TUDCA protection against Abeta-induced apoptosis, reduced Akt phosphorylation, and increased Bax translocation to mitochondria. Together, these findings indicate that Abeta-induced apoptosis of cortical neurons proceeds through a Bax mitochondrial pathway. Further, the PI3K signaling cascade plays a role in regulating the anti-apoptotic effects of TUDCA.

Amyloid beta-Peptides↗

Effects of bezafibrate on the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene and its mechanisms in cultured bovine endothelial cells.

OBJECTIVE: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors alpha (PPARalpha) is a target gene for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. However, effects of PPARalpha on endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) remain unknown. We investigated the eNOS regulation by bezafibrate, a ligand of PPARalpha, and involved signaling pathways. METHODS AND RESULTS: Firstly, in cultured bovine aorta endothelial cells (BAEC), bezafibrate significantly upregulated eNOS at protein, mRNA levels and NO production, respectively, in a concentration-dependent fashion (50-200muM). Next, the effects of bezafibrate on signal pathways and eNOS mRNA stability in BAEC were investigated. Results showed that bezafibrate induced phosphorylation of MAPK. Inhibitors of PPARalpha, PI3 kinase and MAPK, respectively, markedly attenuate bezafibrate-induced upregulation of eNOS. Bezafibrate incubation increased eNOS mRNA half-life, activated eNOS promoter, enhanced phosphorylation of eNOS ser-1179 site, and decreased phosphorylation of eNOS thr-497 site via activating ERK and Akt. CONCLUSIONS: Bezafibrate can upregulate eNOS expression, enhance phosphorylation of eNOS ser-1179, increase NO production and transcription level and stability of eNOS mRNA through pathway dependent of PPARalpha and nongenomic effects mediated by MAPK and PI3K pathways. Hence, PPARalpha ligands exert direct benefits on vessel endothelial functions through an increase in eNOS expression level and phosphorylation of eNOS ser-1179. This mechanism provides additional anti-atherosclerotic and anti-hypertension benefits of bezafibrate in addition of lipid-lowering effects.

Animals↗

Nutrient overload, insulin resistance, and ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1, S6K1.

Nutrient overload leads to obesity, insulin resistance, and often type 2 diabetes. Whereas increased fat intake is commonly cited as the major factor in diet-induced dysmetabolic states, increased protein consumption also contributes, through elevated circulating amino acids. Recent studies have revealed that ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1, S6K1, an effector of mTOR, is sensitive to both insulin and nutrients, including amino acids. Although S6K1 is an effector of growth, recent reports show that amino acids also negatively affect insulin signaling through mTOR/S6K1 phosphorylation of IRS1. Moreover, rather than signaling through the class 1 PI3K pathway, amino acids appear to mediate mTOR activation through class 3 PI3K, or hVps34. Consistent with this, infusion of amino acids into humans leads to S6K1 activation, inhibition of insulin-induced class 1 PI3K activation, and insulin resistance. Thus, S6K1 may mediate deleterious effects, like insulin resistance, and potentially type 2 diabetes in the face of nutrient excess.

Adipose Tissue↗

Multiple roles of the PI3K/PKB (Akt) pathway in cell cycle progression.

As its role in tumor progression emerges, the PI3K/PKB (Akt) pathway presents an appealing cancer therapeutic target. Recent studies have investigated the mechanisms underlying the tumor-promoting effects of this pathway. PKB triggers a network that positively regulates G1/S cell cycle progression through inactivation of GSK3-beta, leading to increased cyclin D1, and inhibition of Forkhead family transcription factors and the tumor suppressor tuberin (TSC2), leading to reduction of p27Kip1. The identification of p21Waf1/Cip1 and p27Kip1 as novel substrates of PKB provided new insights into mechanisms whereby hyperactivation of this lipid signaling pathway may lead to cell cycle deregulation in human cancers. The PI3K pathway may also play a key role in the G2/M transition and its constitutive activation may lead to defects in DNA damage checkpoint control.

Animals↗

Modulation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathway alters innate resistance to polymicrobial sepsis.

We examined the effect of modulating phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) activity in a murine model of cecal ligation and puncture-induced polymicrobial sepsis. Inhibition of PI3K activity with wortmannin increased serum cytokine levels and decreased survival time in septic mice. We have reported that an immunomodulator, glucan phosphate, induces protection in murine polymicrobial sepsis. We observed that glucan stimulated tissue PI3K activity, which positively correlated with increased survival in septic mice. We investigated the effect of PI3K inhibition on survival in septic mice treated with glucan. Treatment of mice with the PI3K inhibitors, wortmannin and LY294002, completely eliminated the protective effect of glucan, indicating that protection against septic mortality was mediated through PI3K. Inhibition of PI3K resulted in increased serum levels of IL1-beta, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, and TNF-alpha in septic mice. Apoptosis is thought to play a central role in the response to septic injury. We observed that inhibition of PI3K activity in septic mice resulted in increased splenocyte apoptosis and a change in the anatomic distribution of splenocyte apoptosis. We conclude that PI3K is a compensatory mechanism that suppresses proinflammatory and apoptotic processes in response to sepsis and/or inflammatory injury. Thus, PI3K may play a pivotal role in the maintenance of homeostasis and the integrity of the immune response during sepsis. We also observed that glucan phosphate decreased septic morbidity and mortality through a PI3K-dependent mechanism. This suggests that stimulation of the PI3K pathway may be an effective approach for preventing or treating sepsis and/or septic shock.

Androstadienes↗

[PI3 kinases and the control of autophagia].

Macroautophagy or autophagy is a degradative pathway terminating in the lysosomal compartment after the formation of a cytoplasmic vacuole that engulfs macromolecules and organelles. The recent discovery of the molecular controls of autophagy that are common to eukaryotic cells from yeast to human suggests that the role of autophagy in cell functioning is far beyond its nonselective degradative capacity. The downregulation of autophagy observed in cancer cells is associated with tumor progression. The regulation of autophagy by signalling pathways overlaps with the control of cell growth, proliferation, cell survival and death. Two of these pathways play an important role in control of autophagy, the class I and III PI3K pathways. Several tumor suppressor genes (PTEN, TSC1 and 2, p53) involved in the class I PI3K mTOR signalling network have been shown to stimulate autophagy. In contrast, the oncoproteins involved in this network (Ras, class I PI3K and Akt) have the opposite effect. These findings, together with the discovery that Beclin 1, which forms a complex with the class III PI3K to initiate autophagy, is a tumor suppressor gene product give credibility of the idea that autophagy is a tumor suppressor mechanism. However, cancer cells sometimes mobilize autophagic capacities in response to various stimuli, suggesting that they can also exploit autophagy for their own benefit.

Animals↗

PIK3CA in Cancer: Structure, Biology, Alterations, and Actionability.

PIK3CA, which encodes the p110&#x3b1; catalytic subunit of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), is one of the most frequently altered oncogenes in human cancer and a major driver of tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. Over the past two decades, advances in structural biology, cancer genomics, and translational research have substantially expanded our understanding of PIK3CA function and established the PI3K pathway as a clinically actionable therapeutic target. This review provides an overview of the structural organization and physiological functions of the PI3K&#x3b1; complex, the molecular mechanisms underlying oncogenic activation, and the diverse spectrum of PIK3CA alterations across human malignancies. We also summarize the current landscape of PI3K-targeted therapies, highlighting both approved agents and emerging therapeutic strategies. Clinical evidence supports the rational integration of PI3K inhibitors with endocrine therapy, CDK4/6 inhibitors, MAPK pathway inhibitors, dual PI3K/mTOR inhibition, and immune checkpoint blockade. In addition, accumulating evidence indicates that PIK3CA plays a pivotal role in shaping the tumor immune microenvironment, providing a biological rationale for combining PI3K inhibition with immunotherapy. Finally, we discuss future directions in precision oncology, emphasizing integrated molecular profiling, liquid biopsy, single-cell and spatial technologies, functional genomics, and evolutionary approaches as complementary strategies to refine patient selection, overcome therapeutic resistance, and optimize clinical outcomes.

PI3K signaling↗

Overexpression of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-5 helps accelerate progression to androgen-independence in the human prostate LNCaP tumor model through activation of phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase pathway.

Although insulin-like growth factor (IGF) binding protein-5 (IGFBP-5) is highly up-regulated in normal and malignant prostate tissues after androgen withdrawal, its functional role in castration-induced apoptosis and androgen-independent progression remains undefined. To analyze the functional significance of IGFBP-5 overexpression in IGF-I-mediated mitogenesis and progression to androgen-independence, IGFBP-5-overexpressing human androgen-dependent LNCaP prostate cancer cells were generated by stable transfection. The growth rates of IGFBP-5-transfected LNCaP cells were significantly faster, compared with either the parental or vector-only transfected LNCaP cells in both the presence and absence ofdihydrotestosterone. IGFBP-5-induced increases in LNCaP cell proliferation occurs through both IGF-I-dependent and -independent pathways, with corresponding increases in the cyclin D1 messenger RNA expression and the fraction of cells in S + G2/M phases of the cell cycle. Changes in Akt/protein kinase B, a downstream component of phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase (PI3K) pathway, in the LNCaP sublines also paralleled changes in their growth rates. Although treatment with a PI3K inhibitor induced apoptosis in both control and IGFBP-5-overexpressing LNCaP cells, this PI3K inhibitor-induced apoptosis was prevented by exogenous IGF-I treatment only in IGFBP-5 transfectants, suggesting that IGFBP-5 overexpression can potentiate the antiapoptotic effects of IGF-I. Furthermore, tumor growth and serum prostate-specific antigen levels increased several fold faster in mice bearing IGFBP-5-transfected LNCaP tumors after castration, despite having similar tumor incidence and tumor growth rates with controls when grown in intact mice before castration. Collectively, these data suggest that IGFBP-5 overexpression in prostate cancer cells after castration is an adaptive cell survival mechanism that helps potentiate the antiapoptotic and mitogenic effects of IGF-I, thereby accelerating progression to androgen independence through activation of the PI3K-Akt/ protein kinase B signaling pathway.

Androgens↗