Tsui Ting Ching

Novel Function of Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase in T Cell Ca2+ Signaling A PHOSPHATIDYLINOSITOL 3,4,5-TRISPHOSPHATE-MEDIATED Ca2+ ENTRY MECHANISM

This study presents evidence that phosphoinositide (PI) 3-kinase is involved in T cell Ca2+ signaling via a phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate PI(3,4,5)P3-sensitive Ca2+entry pathway. First, exogenous PI(3,4,5)P3 at concentrations close to its physiological levels induces Ca2+ influx in T cells, whereas PI(3,4)P2, PI(4,5)P2, and PI(3)P have no effect on [Ca2+] i . This Ca2+ entry mechanism is cell type-specific as B cells and a number of cell lines examined do not respond to PI(3,4,5)P3 stimulation. Second, inhibition of PI 3-kinase by wortmannin and by overexpression of the dominant negative inhibitor Δp85 suppresses anti-CD3-induced Ca2+response, which could be reversed by subsequent exposure to PI(3,4,5)P3. Third, PI(3,4,5)P3 is capable of stimulating Ca2+ efflux from Ca2+-loaded plasma membrane vesicles prepared from Jurkat T cells, suggesting that PI(3,4,5)P3 interacts with a Ca2+ entry system directly or via a membrane-bound protein. Fourth, although D-myo-inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate (Ins(1,3,4,5)P4) mimics PI(3,4,5)P3 in many aspects of biochemical functions such as membrane binding and Ca2+ transport, we raise evidence that Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 does not play a role in anti-CD3- or PI(3,4,5)P3-mediated Ca2+ entry. This PI(3,4,5)P3-stimulated Ca2+ influx connotes physiological significance, considering the pivotal role of PI 3-kinase in the regulation of T cell function. Given that PI 3-kinase and phospholipase C-γ form multifunctional complexes downstream of many receptor signaling pathways, we hypothesize that PI(3,4,5)P3-induced Ca2+ entry acts concertedly with Ins(1,4,5)P3-induced Ca2+ release in initiating T cell Ca2+ signaling. By using a biotinylated analog of PI(3,4,5)P3 as the affinity probe, we have detected several putative PI(3,4,5)P3-binding proteins in T cell plasma membranes.

Drr-2 encodes an eIF4H that acts downstream of TOR in diet-restriction-induced longevity of C. elegans

Dietary restriction (DR) results in a robust increase in lifespan while maintaining the physiology of much younger animals in a wide range of species. Here, we examine the role of drr‐2, a DR‐responsive gene recently identified, in determining the longevity of Caenorhabditis elegans. Inhibition of drr‐2 has been shown to increase longevity. However, the molecular mechanisms by which drr‐2 influences longevity remain unknown. We report here that drr‐2 encodes an ortholog of human eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4H (eIF4H), whose function is to mediate the initiation step of mRNA translation. The molecular function of DRR‐2 is validated by the association of DRR‐2 with polysomes and by the decreased rate of protein synthesis observed in drr‐2 knockdown animals. Previous studies have also suggested that DR might trigger a regulated reduction in drr‐2 expression to initiate its longevity response. By examining the effect of increasing drr‐2 expression on DR animals, we find that drr‐2 is essential for a large portion of the longevity response to DR. The nutrient‐sensing target of rapamycin (TOR) pathway has been shown to mediate the longevity effects of DR in C. elegans. Results from our genetic analyses suggest that eIF4H/DRR‐2 functions downstream of TOR, but in parallel to the S6K/PHA‐4 pathway to mediate the lifespan effects of DR. Together, our findings reveal an important role for eIF4H/drr‐2 in the TOR‐mediated longevity responses to DR.

Enhanced Energy Metabolism Contributes to the Extended Life Span of Calorie-restricted Caenorhabditis elegans

Background: How energy metabolism contributes to the extended life span of calorie-restricted animals remains an enigma. Results: We identified enhanced fuel oxidation and a preference of fatty acids as the major energy source in calorie-restricted nematodes. Conclusion: Enhanced fuel utilization rather than total ingested calories contributes to the beneficial effects of calorie restriction. Significance: Enhanced fuel oxidation to extend life span is a conserved mechanism across phylogeny. Caloric restriction (CR) markedly extends life span and improves the health of a broad number of species. Energy metabolism fundamentally contributes to the beneficial effects of CR, but the underlying mechanisms that are responsible for this effect remain enigmatic. A multidisciplinary approach that involves quantitative proteomics, immunochemistry, metabolic quantification, and life span analysis was used to determine how CR, which occurs in the Caenorhabditis elegans eat-2 mutants, modifies energy metabolism of the worm, and whether the observed modifications contribute to the CR-mediated physiological responses. A switch to fatty acid metabolism as an energy source and an enhanced rate of energy metabolism by eat-2 mutant nematodes were detected. Life span analyses validated the important role of these previously unknown alterations of energy metabolism in the CR-mediated longevity of nematodes. As observed in mice, the overexpression of the gene for the nematode analog of the cytosolic form of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase caused a marked extension of the life span in C. elegans, presumably by enhancing energy metabolism via an altered rate of cataplerosis of tricarboxylic acid cycle anions. We conclude that an increase, not a decrease in fuel consumption, via an accelerated oxidation of fuels in the TCA cycle is involved in life span regulation; this mechanism may be conserved across phylogeny.

Integrin-linked kinase modulates longevity and thermotolerance in C. elegans through neuronal control of HSF-1

Integrin‐signaling complexes play important roles in cytoskeletal organization and cell adhesion in many species. Components of the integrin‐signaling complex have been linked to aging in both Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster, but the mechanism underlying this function is unknown. Here, we investigated the role of integrin‐linked kinase (ILK), a key component of the integrin‐signaling complex, in lifespan determination. We report that genetic reduction of ILK in both C. elegans and Drosophila increased resistance to heat stress, and led to lifespan extension in C. elegans without majorly affecting cytoskeletal integrity. In C. elegans, longevity and thermotolerance induced by ILK depletion was mediated by heat‐shock factor‐1 (HSF‐1), a major transcriptional regulator of the heat‐shock response (HSR). Reduction in ILK levels increased hsf‐1 transcription and activation, and led to enhanced expression of a subset of genes with roles in the HSR. Moreover, induction of HSR‐related genes, longevity and thermotolerance caused by ILK reduction required the thermosensory neurons AFD and interneurons AIY, which are known to play a critical role in the canonical HSR. Notably, ILK was expressed in neighboring neurons, but not in AFD or AIY, implying that ILK reduction initiates cell nonautonomous signaling through thermosensory neurons to elicit a noncanonical HSR. Our results thus identify HSF‐1 as a novel effector of the organismal response to reduced ILK levels and show that ILK inhibition regulates HSF‐1 in a cell nonautonomous fashion to enhance stress resistance and lifespan in C. elegans.

Celecoxib extends C. elegans lifespan via inhibition of insulin-like signaling but not cyclooxygenase-2 activity

One goal of aging research is to develop interventions that combat age‐related illnesses and slow aging. Although numerous mutations have been shown to achieve this in various model organisms, only a handful of chemicals have been identified to slow aging. Here, we report that celecoxib, a nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug widely used to treat pain and inflammation, extends Caenorhabditis elegans lifespan and delays the age‐associated physiological changes, such as motor activity decline. Celecoxib also delays the progression of age‐related proteotoxicity as well as tumor growth in C. elegans. Celecoxib was originally developed as a potent cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) inhibitor. However, the result from a structural–activity analysis demonstrated that the antiaging effect of celecoxib might be independent of its COX‐2 inhibitory activity, as analogs of celecoxib that lack COX‐2 inhibitory activity produce a similar effect on lifespan. Furthermore, we found that celecoxib acts directly on 3′‐phosphoinositide‐dependent kinase‐1, a component of the insulin/IGF‐1 signaling cascade to increase lifespan.

Identification of Multiple Phosphoinositide-specific Phospholipases D as New Regulatory Enzymes for Phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-Trisphosphate

In the course of delineating the regulatory mechanism underlying phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PI(3,4,5)P3) metabolism, we have discovered three distinct phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase D (PI-PLD) isozymes from rat brain, tentatively designated as PI-PLDa, PI-PLDb, and PI-PLDc. These enzymes convert [3H]PI(3,4,5)P3 to generate a novel inositol phosphate, d-myo-[3H]inositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate ([3H]Ins(3,4,5)P3) and phosphatidic acid. These isozymes are predominantly associated with the cytosol, a notable difference from phosphatidylcholine PLDs. They are partially purified by a three-step procedure consisting of DEAE, heparin, and Sephacryl S-200 chromatography. PI-PLDa and PI-PLDb display a high degree of substrate specificity for PI(3,4,5)P3, with a relative potency of PI(3,4,5)P3 ≫ phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PI(3)P) or phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI(4)P) > phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2) > phosphatidylinositol 3,4-bisphosphate (PI(3,4)P2). In contrast, PI-PLDc preferentially utilizes PI(3)P as substrate, followed by, in sequence, PI(3,4,5)P3, PI(4)P, PI(3,4)P2, and PI(4,5)P2. Both PI(3,4)P2 and PI(4,5)P2 are poor substrates for all three isozymes, indicating that the regulatory mechanisms underlying these phosphoinositides are different from that of PI(3,4,5)P3. None of these enzymes reacts with phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine, or phosphatidylethanolamine. All three PI-PLDs are Ca2+-dependent. Among them, PI-PLDb and PI-PLDc show maximum activities within a sub-μm range (0.3 and 0.9 μmCa2+, respectively), whereas PI-PLDa exhibits an optimal [Ca2+] at 20 μm. In contrast to PC-PLD, Mg2+ has no significant effect on the enzyme activity. All three enzymes require sodium deoxycholate for optimal activities; other detergents examined including Triton X-100 and Nonidet P-40 are, however, inhibitory. In addition, PI(4,5)P2 stimulates these isozymes in a dose-dependent manner. Enhancement in the enzyme activity is noted only when the molar ratio of PI(4,5)P2 to PI(3,4,5)P3 is between 1:1 and 2:1.

Reciprocal changes in phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and pyruvate kinase with age are a determinant of aging in Caenorhabditis elegans

Aging involves progressive loss of cellular function and integrity, presumably caused by accumulated stochastic damage to cells. Alterations in energy metabolism contribute to aging, but how energy metabolism changes with age, how these changes affect aging, and whether they can be modified to modulate aging remain unclear. In locomotory muscle of post-fertile Caenorhabditis elegans, we identified a progressive decrease in cytosolic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK-C), a longevity-associated metabolic enzyme, and a reciprocal increase in glycolytic pyruvate kinase (PK) that were necessary and sufficient to limit lifespan. Decline in PEPCK-C with age also led to loss of cellular function and integrity including muscle activity, and cellular senescence. Genetic and pharmacologic interventions of PEPCK-C, muscle activity, and AMPK signaling demonstrate that declines in PEPCK-C and muscle function with age interacted to limit reproductive life and lifespan via disrupted energy homeostasis. Quantifications of metabolic flux show that reciprocal changes in PEPCK-C and PK with age shunted energy metabolism toward glycolysis, reducing mitochondrial bioenergetics. Last, calorie restriction countered changes in PEPCK-C and PK with age to elicit anti-aging effects via TOR inhibition. Thus, a programmed metabolic event involving PEPCK-C and PK is a determinant of aging that can be modified to modulate aging.

Solid Plate-based Dietary Restriction in Caenorhabditis elegans

Reduction of food intake without malnutrition or starvation is known to increase lifespan and delay the onset of various age-related diseases in a wide range of species, including mammals. It also causes a decrease in body weight and fertility, as well as lower levels of plasma glucose, insulin, and IGF-1 in these animals. This treatment is often referred to as dietary restriction (DR) or caloric restriction (CR). The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has emerged as an important model organism for studying the biology of aging. Both environmental and genetic manipulations have been used to model DR and have shown to extend lifespan in C. elegans. However, many of the reported DR studies in C. elegans were done by propagating animals in liquid media, while most of the genetic studies in the aging field were done on the standard solid agar in petri plates. Here we present a DR protocol using standard solid NGM agar-based plate with killed bacteria.