Oxytocin modulates mTORC1 pathway in the gut
Benjamin Y Klein1, Hadassah Tamir, David L Hirschberg
1Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA. benjamin.klein@gmail.com
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|February 16, 2013
Summary
Oxytocin (OT) influences gut development by regulating the PI3K/Akt/mTORC1 pathway. This study shows OT downregulates anabolic effects in gut cells, suggesting a role in modulating translation.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Molecular Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Oxytocin (OT) and its receptor (OTR) are expressed in the gut, and OT is stable in breast milk, suggesting a role in gut function.
- A previous study identified a biphasic dose-response in the PI3K/Akt pathway in gut cells treated with OT.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate OT-elicited changes in the PI3K/Akt pathway and its downstream substrates in Caco2BB cells.
- To determine if OT modulates mTORC1 activity and protein translation in gut cells.
Main Methods:
- Automated Western blotting was used to analyze changes in Akt, pAkt(T308), S6K1, 4E-BP1, and Raptor phosphorylation.
- Caco2BB cells were treated with varying concentrations of OT in fresh growth medium (FGM).
Main Results:
- OT reduced the abundance and phosphorylation of S6K1 and the phosphorylation of 4E-BP1, both mTORC1 substrates.
- OT increased Raptor(S792) phosphorylation at high and low concentrations, suggesting inhibition of mTORC1.
- OT downregulated anabolic effects mediated by FGM and mTORC1 activity.
Conclusions:
- Oxytocin acts as a regulator of the PI3K/Akt/mTORC1 pathway in Caco2BB gut cells.
- OT may modulate protein translation in gut cells, impacting gut function and development.
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