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Updated: Apr 27, 2026

Induction and Analysis of Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition
Published on: August 27, 2013
Gene expression profiles and phosphorylation patterns of AMP-activated protein kinase subunits in various mesenchymal
Yugang Wang1, Qiming Fan1, Rui Ma1
1Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orthopedic Implants, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China.
Background:
Recent studies on bone have shown an endocrine role of the skeleton, which could be impaired in various human diseases, including osteoporosis, obesity, and diabetes-associated bone diseases. As a sensor and regulator of energy metabolism, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) may also play an important role in the regulation of bone metabolism. The current study aimed to establish the expression profiles and phosphorylation patterns of AMPK subunits in several mesenchymal cell types.
Methods:
Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for relative quantification, real-time PCR for absolute quantification, and Western blotting were used to investigate the gene expression profiles and phosphorylation patterns of AMPK subunits in several mesenchymal cell types, including primary human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and hFOB, Saos-2, C3H/10T1/2, MC3T3-E1, 3T3-L1, and C2C12 cells.
Results:
AMPKα1 and AMPKβ1 mRNAs were abundantly expressed in all cell types. AMPKγ1 mRNA was abundantly expressed in C3H/10T1/2, MC3T3-E1, 3T3-L1, and C2C12 but not detected in human-derived cell types. AMPKγ2 mRNA was mildly expressed in all cell types. AMPKα1 protein was highly expressed in all cell types and AMPKα2 protein was highly expressed only in hFOB and Saos-2 cells. AMPKβ1 protein was abundantly expressed in all cell types except for Saos-2, in which AMPKβ2 protein overwhelmed AMPKβ1 expression. AMPKγ1 and AMPKγ2 proteins were expressed in C3H/10T1/2, MC3T3-E1, 3T3-L1, and C2C12 cells and only AMPKγ2 protein was expressed in hMSCs, hFOB and Saos-2 cells. AMPKα was phosphorylated at Thr172 and Ser485 and AMPKβ1 was phosphorylated at Ser108 and Ser182 in all cell types with a specific pattern in each cell type.
Conclusion:
The combination of AMPK α, β, and γ subunits and phosphorylation of AMPKα (Thr172 and Ser485) and AMPKβ1 (Ser108 and Ser182) showed a specific pattern in each cell type.
Insights
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) subunit expression and phosphorylation patterns vary across different cell types. This study reveals specific patterns in mesenchymal cells, offering insights into bone metabolism regulation.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The skeleton has an endocrine function impacting diseases like osteoporosis, obesity, and diabetes.
- AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a sensor of energy metabolism, may regulate bone metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the expression profiles of AMPK subunits in various mesenchymal cell types.
- To investigate the phosphorylation patterns of AMPK subunits in these cells.
Main Methods:
- Utilized reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for gene expression analysis.
- Employed real-time PCR for quantitative analysis.
- Used Western blotting to assess protein expression and phosphorylation.
Main Results:
- AMPKα1 and AMPKβ1 mRNAs were widely expressed; AMPKγ1 mRNA was detected in specific cell lines but not human cells.
- Protein expression varied, with AMPKα2 and AMPKβ2 showing cell-type specific abundance.
- Phosphorylation of AMPKα at Thr172/Ser485 and AMPKβ1 at Ser108/Ser182 occurred in a cell-specific manner.
Conclusions:
- AMPK subunit composition and phosphorylation patterns exhibit distinct profiles across different mesenchymal cell types.
- These specific patterns suggest a role in regulating cellular functions, potentially including bone metabolism.
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