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Snail modulates cell metabolism in MDCK cells
Misako Haraguchi1, Hiroko P Indo, Yasumasa Iwasaki
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan. haraguci@m3.kufm.kagoshima-u.ac.jp
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|February 27, 2013
Summary
The Snail protein alters cell metabolism, increasing glucose dependency and causing cell death in low-glucose conditions. This metabolic shift also enhances survival during hypoxia and nutrient deprivation.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Snail protein represses E-cadherin, promoting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and tumor progression.
- Snail confers resistance to serum depletion-induced cell death.
- Snail expression in MDCK cells leads to increased cell death in low-glucose conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of Snail expression on cell metabolism in MDCK cells.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which Snail influences metabolic pathways.
- To understand the implications of Snail-mediated metabolic changes on cell survival and death.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of metabolic profiles between MDCK/snail and MDCK/neo cells.
- Assay of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) activity and TCA cycle enzyme activities.
- Measurement of ATP content, oxygen consumption, and cell survival under various conditions.
- Analysis of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDK1), glutaminase 2 (GLS2), and ATP-citrate lyase (ACLY) expression and activity.
Main Results:
- Snail expression reduced PDH activity and TCA cycle enzyme function, including IDH2, SDH, Complex II, and Complex IV.
- MDCK/snail cells exhibited lower ATP levels, reduced oxygen consumption, and enhanced survival under hypoxia.
- Increased PDK1 expression and activity, alongside decreased GLS2 and ACLY levels, were observed in MDCK/snail cells.
- Snail expression resulted in increased glucose dependency and cell death in low-glucose environments.
Conclusions:
- Snail modulates cell metabolism by altering key enzyme expression and activity.
- Snail-induced metabolic reprogramming enhances glucose dependency, leading to cell death under nutrient-limited conditions.
- The observed metabolic changes may confer resistance to hypoxia and malnutrition by reducing cellular nutrient and oxygen demands.
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