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Fuller W Bazer - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • arginine leucine and glutamine stimulate proliferation of porcine trophectoderm cells through the mtor rps6k rps6 EIF4EBP1 signal transduction pathway
    Biology of Reproduction, 2013
    Co-Authors: Gwonhwa Song, Guoyao Wu, Gregory A Johnson, Fuller W Bazer
    Abstract:

    During the peri-implantation and early placentation periods in pigs, conceptuses (embryo and its extra-embryonic membranes) undergo dramatic morphological changes and differentiation that require the exchange of nutrients (histotroph) and gasses across the trophectoderm and a true epitheliochorial placenta. Of these nutrients, arginine (Arg), leucine (Leu), and glutamine (Gln) are essential components of histotroph; however, little is known about changes in their total amounts in the uterine lumen of cyclic and pregnant gilts and their effects on cell signaling cascades. Therefore, we determined quantities of Arg, Leu, and Gln in uterine luminal fluids and found that total recoverable amounts of these amino acids increased in pregnant but not cyclic gilts between Days 12 and 15 after onset of estrus. We hypothesized that Arg, Leu, and Gln have differential effects on hypertrophy, hyperplasia, and differentiated functions of trophectoderm cells that are critical to conceptus development. Primary porcine trophectoderm (pTr) cells treated with either Arg, Leu, or Gln had increased abundance of phosphorylated RPS6K, RPS6, and EIF4EBP1 compared to basal levels, and this effect was maintained for up to 120 min. When pTr cells were treated with Arg, Leu, and Gln, low levels of pRPS6K and pEIF4EBP1 were detected in the cytosol, but the abundance of nuclear pRPS6K increased. Immunofluorescence analyses revealed abundant amounts of pRPS6 protein in the cytoplasm of pTr cells treated with Arg, Leu, and Gln. These amino acids also increased proliferation of pTr cells. Furthermore, when Arg, Leu, and Gln were combined with siRNAs for either MTOR, RPTOR, or RICTOR, effects of those amino acids on proliferation of pTr cells were significantly inhibited. Collectively, these results indicate that Arg, Leu, and Gln act coordinately to stimulate proliferation of pTr cells through activation of the MTORRPS6K-RPS6-EIF4EBP1 signal transduction pathway. arginine, glutamine, leucine, pig, proliferation, trophoblast

  • Functional roles of fructose
    Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 2012
    Co-Authors: Gwonhwa Song, Guoyao Wu, Fuller W Bazer
    Abstract:

    During the periimplantation period of pregnancy, pig blastocysts undergo morphological changes and differentiation requiring secretion and transport of nutrients (histotroph) into the uterine lumen. Of these nutrients, glucose is converted to fructose, an isomer of glucose, by conceptus trophectoderm. Although glucose is an energy source for proliferation and growth of mammalian cells, the role of fructose in uterine histotroph is unclear although it is the most abundant hexose sugar in fetal blood and fluids of ungulate mammals (e.g., cows, sheep, and pigs). In this study, we used porcine trophectoderm cells to determine that fructose increased cell proliferation, as did glucose. Western blot analyses of porcine trophectoderm cell extracts revealed that fructose increased the abundance of phosphorylated-RPS6K, -EIF4EBP1, and -RPS6 over basal levels within 30 min, and those levels remained elevated to 120 min. Phosphorylation of both RPS6K and EIF4EBP1 proteins in response to fructose was inhibited by inhibitors of both PI3K and MTOR. Further, when we investigated the inhibition of glutamine-fructose-6-phosphate transaminase 1 (GFPT1) by azaserine (an inhibitor of GFPT1) and GFPT1 siRNA, we found that MTOR-RPS6K and MTOR-EIF4EBP1 signaling in response to fructose is mediated via GFPT1 activation and the hexosamine pathway. We further demonstrated that fructose stimulates the production of hyaluronic acid via GFPT1 and the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway. Collectively, these results demonstrate critical roles for fructose that are mediated via the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway to stimulate MTOR cell signaling, proliferation of porcine trophectoderm cells, and synthesis of hyaluronic acid, a significant glycosaminoglycan in the pregnant uterus.

  • Select Nutrients in the Ovine Uterine Lumen. IX. Differential Effects of Arginine, Leucine, Glutamine, and Glucose on Interferon Tau, Ornithine Decarboxylase, and Nitric Oxide Synthase in the Ovine Conceptus
    Biology of Reproduction, 2011
    Co-Authors: Robert C. Burghardt, Guoyao Wu, Thomas E. Spencer, Greg A. Johnson, Fuller W Bazer
    Abstract:

    Nutrients are primary requirements for development of conceptuses (embryo and extraembryonic membranes), including protein synthesis. We have shown that arginine (Arg), leucine (Leu), and glucose stimulate protein synthesis through phosphorylation of MTOR signaling molecules, thereby increasing proliferation of ovine trophectoderm cells. This study determined whether Arg, Leu, glutamine (Gln), and glucose influence gene expression and protein synthesis in explant cultures of ovine conceptuses recovered from ewes on Day 16 of pregnancy. Conceptuses were deprived of select nutrients and then cultured with either Arg, Leu, Gln, or glucose for 18 h, after which they were analyzed for abundance of MTOR, RPS6K, RPS6, EIF4EBP1 (also known as 4EBP1), IFNT, NOS2, NOS3, GCH1, and ODC1 mRNAs and proteins. Levels of MTOR, RPS6K, RPS6, and EIF4EBP1 mRNAs were not affected by treatment with any of the select nutrients. Similarly, expression of IFNT, NOS2, NOS3, and ODC1 mRNAs were not different. Interestingly, GCH1 mRNA levels increased in response to Arg treatment. Importantly, Arg, Leu, Gln, and glucose increased the abundance of phosphorylated MTOR, RPS6K, RPS6, and EIF4EBP1 proteins as well as NOS and ODC1 proteins, but only Arg increased the abundance of IFNT protein. These findings indicate that Arg, Leu, Gln, and glucose stimulate translation of mRNAs to increase synthesis of proteins through phosphorylation and activation of components of the MTOR signaling pathway. Increases in abundance of IFNT protein (the pregnancy recognition signal), NOS2, NOS3 and GCH1 for conversion of Arg to nitric oxide, and ODC1 for synthesis of polyamines are all important for growth and development of the ovine conceptus during pregnancy.

  • Select Nutrients in the Ovine Uterine Lumen. VIII. Arginine Stimulates Proliferation of Ovine Trophectoderm Cells Through MTOR-RPS6K-RPS6 Signaling Cascade and Synthesis of Nitric Oxide and Polyamines
    Biology of Reproduction, 2010
    Co-Authors: Robert C. Burghardt, Guoyao Wu, Thomas E. Spencer, Greg A. Johnson, Fuller W Bazer
    Abstract:

    During the peri-implantation period in sheep, L-arginine (LArg) in the uterine lumen is an essential substrate for the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO), by nitric oxide synthase (NOS), and polyamines, via arginase and ornithine decarboxylase, that are required for survival and development of ovine conceptuses (embryo and its extraembryonic membranes). L-Arginine can stimulate hypertrophy, hyperplasia, and differentiation of the ovine conceptus trophectoderm; however, the responsible signal transduction cascade has not been determined. Therefore, this study examined possible signaling pathways mediated by L-Arg, as well as the effects of two NO donors (S-nitroso-N-acetyl-DLpenicillamine and diethylenetriamine) and putrescine (precursor for spermidine and spermine) on oTr cell proliferation. Further, the inhibition of these effects by L-NAME (L-nitro-arginine methyl ester, an inhibitor of NOS) and nor-NOHA (N-omegahydroxy-nor-arginine, an inhibitor of arginase) was assessed. LArginine treatment increased the abundance of phosphorylated MTOR, RPS6K, and EIF4EBP1 in oTr cells. Consistent with activation of these cell-signaling molecules, L-Arg increased protein synthesis and reduced protein degradation in oTr cells. Both NO and polyamines enhanced cell proliferation in a dosedependent manner. The effects of L-Arg were partially inhibited by both L-NAME and nor-NOHA. These results indicate that LArg enhances production of polyamines and NO and activates the MTOR/FRAP1-RPS6K-RPS6 signaling pathway to stimulate proliferation and migration of oTr cells. arginine, conceptus, conceptus trophectoderm, implantation, MTOR, sheep, uterus

  • Select Nutrients in the Ovine Uterine Lumen. VI. Expression of FK506-Binding Protein 12-Rapamycin Complex-Associated Protein 1 (FRAP1) and Regulators and Effectors of mTORC1 and mTORC2 Complexes in Ovine Uteri and Conceptuses
    Biology of Reproduction, 2009
    Co-Authors: Guoyao Wu, Gregory A Johnson, Thomas E. Spencer, Fuller W Bazer
    Abstract:

    FRAP1 (FK506-binding protein 12-rapamycin complex-associated protein 1), a component of the nutrient-sensing cell signaling pathway, is critical for cell growth and metabolism. The present study determined expression of FRAP1 and associated members of the mTORC1 and mTORC2 cell signaling pathways in uteri of cyclic and pregnant ewes and conceptuses, as well as effects of pregnancy, progesterone (P4), and interferon tau (IFNT) on their expression. The mRNAs for FRAP1, LST8, MAPKAP1, RAPTOR, RICTOR, TSC1, TSC2, RHEB, and EIF4EBP1 were localized to luminal, superficial glandular, and glandular epithelia and stromal cells of uteri from cyclic and pregnant ewes, as well as trophectoderm and endoderm of conceptuses between Days 13 and 18 of pregnancy. The abundance of FRAP1, RAPTOR, RICTOR, TSC1, and TSC2 mRNAs in endometria was unaffected by pregnancy status or by day of the estrous cycle or pregnancy; however, levels of LST8, MAPKAP1, RHEB, and EIF4EBP1 mRNA increased in endometria during early pregnancy. In ovariectomized ewes, P4 and IFNT stimulated expression of RHEB and EIF4EBP1 in uterine endometria. Total endometrial FRAP1 protein and phosphorylated FRAP1 protein levels were affected by pregnancy status and by day after onset of estrus, and phosphorylated FRAP1 protein was detected in nuclei of uterine epithelia and conceptuses. In endometria of pregnant ewes, increases in abundance of mRNAs for RICTOR, RHEB, and EIF4EBP1, as well as RHEB protein, correlated with rapid conceptus growth and development during the peri-implantation period. These results suggest that the FRAP1 cell signaling pathway mediates interactions between the maternal uterus and peri-implantation conceptuses and that P4 and IFNT affect this pathway by regulating expression of RHEB and EIF4EBP1.

Amina A Qutub - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • expression of ribosomal protein s6 r6sp and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4e binding protein 1 EIF4EBP1 is correlated in acute myelogenous leukemia aml and is highly prognostic especially in npm1 and flt3 wildtype patients
    Blood, 2014
    Co-Authors: Steven M Kornblau, Chenyue W Hu, Rebecca A Murray, Nitin Jain, Yesid Alvarado, Kevin R Coombes, Amina A Qutub
    Abstract:

    Background. Conceptually mRNA processing and ribosomal regulation should interact as both affect mRNA translation and protein production. We studied protein expression and functional relationships between proteins in AML using a custom made reverse phase protein array (RPPA), probed with 231 strictly validated antibodies. We found a relationship between expression of R ibosomal P rotein S6 (HUGO name R6SP, a.k.a. S6RP) and E ukaryotic Translation I nitiation F actor 4E B inding P rotein 1, (HUGO name EIF4EBP1). R6SP, a 40S ribosomal subunit component, activated by phosphorylation, regulates cell growth via selective mRNA translation. EIF4EBP1 interacts with eIF4E to recruit the 40S ribosomal subunit, thereby affecting ribosomal assembly. When phosphorylated, in response to cellular signaling, it releases eIF4E allowing transcription. Methods. Our RPPA has protein from leukemia enriched cells from 511 newly diagnosed AML patients and was probed with 231 strictly validated antibodies, including antibodies against total RPS6 and forms phosphorylated on S235-236 and S240-244, and against total EIF4EBP1 and forms phosphorylated on T37 & 46, T70 and S65. Expression was compared to normal bone marrow derived CD34+ cells. Interaction networks with the other 224 proteins were generated from the RPPA data using glasso and supplemented by the literature of known interactions. Results. A heatmap of expression of the 3 R6SP and 4 PA2 forms was generated and hierarchical k-and means clustering performed (Fig A). Using the “ Prototype Clustering ”method an optimal division into four clusters (Fig B) was determined. This includes an “All-Off” state (18%), a state characterized by weak activation of RPS6 alone (RP-Only, 36%) activation of only EIF4EBP1 (EIF4EBP1-Only, 26%) and a group where both were on simultaneously (Both-On). The RPS6 interactome (Fig B) showed the expected positive correlation with mTOR, and P70 (Hugo RPS6KB1) and a previously unknown, but very strong, negative correlation with transcription factor ZNF296. The EIF4EBP1 interactome showed the expected strong positive correlation with many signal transduction pathways (MAP2K1, MAPK14) and proliferation related proteins (pRB, EIF2AK, EIF2S1, FOXO3) and negative correlation with several transcription factors (GATA3, SPI1, CREB). Cluster membership was unassociated with most clinical features including cytogenetics, FLT3 , RAS and NPM1 mutation, excluding gender (more F in All-Off, more M in Both-On, p=0.01). EIF4EBP1 and Both-On had higher WBC (p=0.0001) and % marrow (p=0.0001) and blood blasts (0.0007) and lower platelet counts (p=0.025). Response rates did not differ, although fewer All-Off were primary refractory. Relapse was more common in EIF4EBP1-Only and Both-On clusters. Overall survival (OS) and remission duration (RemDur) (Fig C) of the EIF4EBP1-Only and Both-On clusters was inferior to that of the All-Off and RP-Only clusters (OS median 41 & 45 vs. 52 &63,p=0.06, RemDur 39 & 27 weeks vs. 63 & 53, p=0.008) but this was restricted to Intermediate cytogenetics cases (Fig C “IntCyto” OS 49 & 55 weeks vs. 107& 79 p=0.01, RemDur 37 & 35 weeks vs. 89 & 53 , p = 0.005) that were FLT3 mutation ((Fig C “FLT3-WT” OS p=0.006, RemDur p0.007) and NPM1 mutation negative (Fig C “NPM1-WT”, OS p=0.006, RemDur p=0.001). Conclusions. Activation of EIF4EBP1, with or without RPS6 activation is prognostically adverse in AML, particularly in intermediate cytogenetic cases with wildtype FLT3 and NPM1. This is associated with increased proliferation. Therapy directed against EIF4EBP1 activity, e.g. that block it's phosphorylation, may have utility in the ~46% of cases of AML that demonstrate high levels of EIF4EBP1 phosphorylation, especially in FLT3/NPM1 wildtype cases. Many agents that inhibit signal transduction pathways are in clinical development, analyzing them for the ability to inhibition the activation of EIF4EBP1 might identify clinically useful molecules. ![Figure 1][1] Figure 1 Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare. [1]: pending:yes

Shimon Amir - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Translational control of entrainment and synchrony of the suprachiasmatic circadian clock by mTOR/4E-BP1 signaling
    Neuron, 2013
    Co-Authors: Ruifeng Cao, Christos G. Gkogkas, Arkady Khoutorsky, Tommy Alain, Akiko Yanagiya, Tatiana Nevarko, Andrew C. Liu, Barry Robinson, Haiyan Xu, Shimon Amir
    Abstract:

    Protein synthesis is critical for circadian clock function, but little is known of how translational regulationcontrols the master pacemaker in mammals, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Here we demonstrate that the pivotal translational repressor, the eukaryotic translational initiation factor 4E binding protein 1 (4E-BP1), is rhythmically regulated via the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling in the SCN and preferentially represses vasoactive intestinal peptide (Vip) mRNA translation. Knockout (KO) of EIF4EBP1 (gene encoding 4E-BP1) leads to upregulation of VIP and higher amplitude of molecular rhythms in the SCN. Consequently, the 4E-BP1 null mice exhibit accelerated re-entrainment to a shifted light/dark cycle and are more resistant to the rhythm-disruptive effects of constant light. Conversely, in Mtor+/- mice VIP expression is decreased and susceptibility to the effects of constant light is increased. These results reveal a key role for mTOR/4E-BP1-mediated translational control in regulating entrainment and synchrony of the master clock.

Steven M Kornblau - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • expression of ribosomal protein s6 r6sp and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4e binding protein 1 EIF4EBP1 is correlated in acute myelogenous leukemia aml and is highly prognostic especially in npm1 and flt3 wildtype patients
    Blood, 2014
    Co-Authors: Steven M Kornblau, Chenyue W Hu, Rebecca A Murray, Nitin Jain, Yesid Alvarado, Kevin R Coombes, Amina A Qutub
    Abstract:

    Background. Conceptually mRNA processing and ribosomal regulation should interact as both affect mRNA translation and protein production. We studied protein expression and functional relationships between proteins in AML using a custom made reverse phase protein array (RPPA), probed with 231 strictly validated antibodies. We found a relationship between expression of R ibosomal P rotein S6 (HUGO name R6SP, a.k.a. S6RP) and E ukaryotic Translation I nitiation F actor 4E B inding P rotein 1, (HUGO name EIF4EBP1). R6SP, a 40S ribosomal subunit component, activated by phosphorylation, regulates cell growth via selective mRNA translation. EIF4EBP1 interacts with eIF4E to recruit the 40S ribosomal subunit, thereby affecting ribosomal assembly. When phosphorylated, in response to cellular signaling, it releases eIF4E allowing transcription. Methods. Our RPPA has protein from leukemia enriched cells from 511 newly diagnosed AML patients and was probed with 231 strictly validated antibodies, including antibodies against total RPS6 and forms phosphorylated on S235-236 and S240-244, and against total EIF4EBP1 and forms phosphorylated on T37 & 46, T70 and S65. Expression was compared to normal bone marrow derived CD34+ cells. Interaction networks with the other 224 proteins were generated from the RPPA data using glasso and supplemented by the literature of known interactions. Results. A heatmap of expression of the 3 R6SP and 4 PA2 forms was generated and hierarchical k-and means clustering performed (Fig A). Using the “ Prototype Clustering ”method an optimal division into four clusters (Fig B) was determined. This includes an “All-Off” state (18%), a state characterized by weak activation of RPS6 alone (RP-Only, 36%) activation of only EIF4EBP1 (EIF4EBP1-Only, 26%) and a group where both were on simultaneously (Both-On). The RPS6 interactome (Fig B) showed the expected positive correlation with mTOR, and P70 (Hugo RPS6KB1) and a previously unknown, but very strong, negative correlation with transcription factor ZNF296. The EIF4EBP1 interactome showed the expected strong positive correlation with many signal transduction pathways (MAP2K1, MAPK14) and proliferation related proteins (pRB, EIF2AK, EIF2S1, FOXO3) and negative correlation with several transcription factors (GATA3, SPI1, CREB). Cluster membership was unassociated with most clinical features including cytogenetics, FLT3 , RAS and NPM1 mutation, excluding gender (more F in All-Off, more M in Both-On, p=0.01). EIF4EBP1 and Both-On had higher WBC (p=0.0001) and % marrow (p=0.0001) and blood blasts (0.0007) and lower platelet counts (p=0.025). Response rates did not differ, although fewer All-Off were primary refractory. Relapse was more common in EIF4EBP1-Only and Both-On clusters. Overall survival (OS) and remission duration (RemDur) (Fig C) of the EIF4EBP1-Only and Both-On clusters was inferior to that of the All-Off and RP-Only clusters (OS median 41 & 45 vs. 52 &63,p=0.06, RemDur 39 & 27 weeks vs. 63 & 53, p=0.008) but this was restricted to Intermediate cytogenetics cases (Fig C “IntCyto” OS 49 & 55 weeks vs. 107& 79 p=0.01, RemDur 37 & 35 weeks vs. 89 & 53 , p = 0.005) that were FLT3 mutation ((Fig C “FLT3-WT” OS p=0.006, RemDur p0.007) and NPM1 mutation negative (Fig C “NPM1-WT”, OS p=0.006, RemDur p=0.001). Conclusions. Activation of EIF4EBP1, with or without RPS6 activation is prognostically adverse in AML, particularly in intermediate cytogenetic cases with wildtype FLT3 and NPM1. This is associated with increased proliferation. Therapy directed against EIF4EBP1 activity, e.g. that block it's phosphorylation, may have utility in the ~46% of cases of AML that demonstrate high levels of EIF4EBP1 phosphorylation, especially in FLT3/NPM1 wildtype cases. Many agents that inhibit signal transduction pathways are in clinical development, analyzing them for the ability to inhibition the activation of EIF4EBP1 might identify clinically useful molecules. ![Figure 1][1] Figure 1 Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare. [1]: pending:yes

Guoyao Wu - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • arginine leucine and glutamine stimulate proliferation of porcine trophectoderm cells through the mtor rps6k rps6 EIF4EBP1 signal transduction pathway
    Biology of Reproduction, 2013
    Co-Authors: Gwonhwa Song, Guoyao Wu, Gregory A Johnson, Fuller W Bazer
    Abstract:

    During the peri-implantation and early placentation periods in pigs, conceptuses (embryo and its extra-embryonic membranes) undergo dramatic morphological changes and differentiation that require the exchange of nutrients (histotroph) and gasses across the trophectoderm and a true epitheliochorial placenta. Of these nutrients, arginine (Arg), leucine (Leu), and glutamine (Gln) are essential components of histotroph; however, little is known about changes in their total amounts in the uterine lumen of cyclic and pregnant gilts and their effects on cell signaling cascades. Therefore, we determined quantities of Arg, Leu, and Gln in uterine luminal fluids and found that total recoverable amounts of these amino acids increased in pregnant but not cyclic gilts between Days 12 and 15 after onset of estrus. We hypothesized that Arg, Leu, and Gln have differential effects on hypertrophy, hyperplasia, and differentiated functions of trophectoderm cells that are critical to conceptus development. Primary porcine trophectoderm (pTr) cells treated with either Arg, Leu, or Gln had increased abundance of phosphorylated RPS6K, RPS6, and EIF4EBP1 compared to basal levels, and this effect was maintained for up to 120 min. When pTr cells were treated with Arg, Leu, and Gln, low levels of pRPS6K and pEIF4EBP1 were detected in the cytosol, but the abundance of nuclear pRPS6K increased. Immunofluorescence analyses revealed abundant amounts of pRPS6 protein in the cytoplasm of pTr cells treated with Arg, Leu, and Gln. These amino acids also increased proliferation of pTr cells. Furthermore, when Arg, Leu, and Gln were combined with siRNAs for either MTOR, RPTOR, or RICTOR, effects of those amino acids on proliferation of pTr cells were significantly inhibited. Collectively, these results indicate that Arg, Leu, and Gln act coordinately to stimulate proliferation of pTr cells through activation of the MTORRPS6K-RPS6-EIF4EBP1 signal transduction pathway. arginine, glutamine, leucine, pig, proliferation, trophoblast

  • Functional roles of fructose
    Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 2012
    Co-Authors: Gwonhwa Song, Guoyao Wu, Fuller W Bazer
    Abstract:

    During the periimplantation period of pregnancy, pig blastocysts undergo morphological changes and differentiation requiring secretion and transport of nutrients (histotroph) into the uterine lumen. Of these nutrients, glucose is converted to fructose, an isomer of glucose, by conceptus trophectoderm. Although glucose is an energy source for proliferation and growth of mammalian cells, the role of fructose in uterine histotroph is unclear although it is the most abundant hexose sugar in fetal blood and fluids of ungulate mammals (e.g., cows, sheep, and pigs). In this study, we used porcine trophectoderm cells to determine that fructose increased cell proliferation, as did glucose. Western blot analyses of porcine trophectoderm cell extracts revealed that fructose increased the abundance of phosphorylated-RPS6K, -EIF4EBP1, and -RPS6 over basal levels within 30 min, and those levels remained elevated to 120 min. Phosphorylation of both RPS6K and EIF4EBP1 proteins in response to fructose was inhibited by inhibitors of both PI3K and MTOR. Further, when we investigated the inhibition of glutamine-fructose-6-phosphate transaminase 1 (GFPT1) by azaserine (an inhibitor of GFPT1) and GFPT1 siRNA, we found that MTOR-RPS6K and MTOR-EIF4EBP1 signaling in response to fructose is mediated via GFPT1 activation and the hexosamine pathway. We further demonstrated that fructose stimulates the production of hyaluronic acid via GFPT1 and the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway. Collectively, these results demonstrate critical roles for fructose that are mediated via the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway to stimulate MTOR cell signaling, proliferation of porcine trophectoderm cells, and synthesis of hyaluronic acid, a significant glycosaminoglycan in the pregnant uterus.

  • Select Nutrients in the Ovine Uterine Lumen. IX. Differential Effects of Arginine, Leucine, Glutamine, and Glucose on Interferon Tau, Ornithine Decarboxylase, and Nitric Oxide Synthase in the Ovine Conceptus
    Biology of Reproduction, 2011
    Co-Authors: Robert C. Burghardt, Guoyao Wu, Thomas E. Spencer, Greg A. Johnson, Fuller W Bazer
    Abstract:

    Nutrients are primary requirements for development of conceptuses (embryo and extraembryonic membranes), including protein synthesis. We have shown that arginine (Arg), leucine (Leu), and glucose stimulate protein synthesis through phosphorylation of MTOR signaling molecules, thereby increasing proliferation of ovine trophectoderm cells. This study determined whether Arg, Leu, glutamine (Gln), and glucose influence gene expression and protein synthesis in explant cultures of ovine conceptuses recovered from ewes on Day 16 of pregnancy. Conceptuses were deprived of select nutrients and then cultured with either Arg, Leu, Gln, or glucose for 18 h, after which they were analyzed for abundance of MTOR, RPS6K, RPS6, EIF4EBP1 (also known as 4EBP1), IFNT, NOS2, NOS3, GCH1, and ODC1 mRNAs and proteins. Levels of MTOR, RPS6K, RPS6, and EIF4EBP1 mRNAs were not affected by treatment with any of the select nutrients. Similarly, expression of IFNT, NOS2, NOS3, and ODC1 mRNAs were not different. Interestingly, GCH1 mRNA levels increased in response to Arg treatment. Importantly, Arg, Leu, Gln, and glucose increased the abundance of phosphorylated MTOR, RPS6K, RPS6, and EIF4EBP1 proteins as well as NOS and ODC1 proteins, but only Arg increased the abundance of IFNT protein. These findings indicate that Arg, Leu, Gln, and glucose stimulate translation of mRNAs to increase synthesis of proteins through phosphorylation and activation of components of the MTOR signaling pathway. Increases in abundance of IFNT protein (the pregnancy recognition signal), NOS2, NOS3 and GCH1 for conversion of Arg to nitric oxide, and ODC1 for synthesis of polyamines are all important for growth and development of the ovine conceptus during pregnancy.

  • Select Nutrients in the Ovine Uterine Lumen. VIII. Arginine Stimulates Proliferation of Ovine Trophectoderm Cells Through MTOR-RPS6K-RPS6 Signaling Cascade and Synthesis of Nitric Oxide and Polyamines
    Biology of Reproduction, 2010
    Co-Authors: Robert C. Burghardt, Guoyao Wu, Thomas E. Spencer, Greg A. Johnson, Fuller W Bazer
    Abstract:

    During the peri-implantation period in sheep, L-arginine (LArg) in the uterine lumen is an essential substrate for the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO), by nitric oxide synthase (NOS), and polyamines, via arginase and ornithine decarboxylase, that are required for survival and development of ovine conceptuses (embryo and its extraembryonic membranes). L-Arginine can stimulate hypertrophy, hyperplasia, and differentiation of the ovine conceptus trophectoderm; however, the responsible signal transduction cascade has not been determined. Therefore, this study examined possible signaling pathways mediated by L-Arg, as well as the effects of two NO donors (S-nitroso-N-acetyl-DLpenicillamine and diethylenetriamine) and putrescine (precursor for spermidine and spermine) on oTr cell proliferation. Further, the inhibition of these effects by L-NAME (L-nitro-arginine methyl ester, an inhibitor of NOS) and nor-NOHA (N-omegahydroxy-nor-arginine, an inhibitor of arginase) was assessed. LArginine treatment increased the abundance of phosphorylated MTOR, RPS6K, and EIF4EBP1 in oTr cells. Consistent with activation of these cell-signaling molecules, L-Arg increased protein synthesis and reduced protein degradation in oTr cells. Both NO and polyamines enhanced cell proliferation in a dosedependent manner. The effects of L-Arg were partially inhibited by both L-NAME and nor-NOHA. These results indicate that LArg enhances production of polyamines and NO and activates the MTOR/FRAP1-RPS6K-RPS6 signaling pathway to stimulate proliferation and migration of oTr cells. arginine, conceptus, conceptus trophectoderm, implantation, MTOR, sheep, uterus

  • Select Nutrients in the Ovine Uterine Lumen. VI. Expression of FK506-Binding Protein 12-Rapamycin Complex-Associated Protein 1 (FRAP1) and Regulators and Effectors of mTORC1 and mTORC2 Complexes in Ovine Uteri and Conceptuses
    Biology of Reproduction, 2009
    Co-Authors: Guoyao Wu, Gregory A Johnson, Thomas E. Spencer, Fuller W Bazer
    Abstract:

    FRAP1 (FK506-binding protein 12-rapamycin complex-associated protein 1), a component of the nutrient-sensing cell signaling pathway, is critical for cell growth and metabolism. The present study determined expression of FRAP1 and associated members of the mTORC1 and mTORC2 cell signaling pathways in uteri of cyclic and pregnant ewes and conceptuses, as well as effects of pregnancy, progesterone (P4), and interferon tau (IFNT) on their expression. The mRNAs for FRAP1, LST8, MAPKAP1, RAPTOR, RICTOR, TSC1, TSC2, RHEB, and EIF4EBP1 were localized to luminal, superficial glandular, and glandular epithelia and stromal cells of uteri from cyclic and pregnant ewes, as well as trophectoderm and endoderm of conceptuses between Days 13 and 18 of pregnancy. The abundance of FRAP1, RAPTOR, RICTOR, TSC1, and TSC2 mRNAs in endometria was unaffected by pregnancy status or by day of the estrous cycle or pregnancy; however, levels of LST8, MAPKAP1, RHEB, and EIF4EBP1 mRNA increased in endometria during early pregnancy. In ovariectomized ewes, P4 and IFNT stimulated expression of RHEB and EIF4EBP1 in uterine endometria. Total endometrial FRAP1 protein and phosphorylated FRAP1 protein levels were affected by pregnancy status and by day after onset of estrus, and phosphorylated FRAP1 protein was detected in nuclei of uterine epithelia and conceptuses. In endometria of pregnant ewes, increases in abundance of mRNAs for RICTOR, RHEB, and EIF4EBP1, as well as RHEB protein, correlated with rapid conceptus growth and development during the peri-implantation period. These results suggest that the FRAP1 cell signaling pathway mediates interactions between the maternal uterus and peri-implantation conceptuses and that P4 and IFNT affect this pathway by regulating expression of RHEB and EIF4EBP1.