DNMT1, a Novel Regulator Mediating mTORC1/mTORC2 Pathway-Induced NGF Expression in Schwann Cells

Schwann cells play an important role in maintaining the normal function of peripheral nerves via the secretion of nerve growth factor (NGF). The mTOR signaling pathway is known as a kind of Ser/Thr protein kinase that regulates various cell functions. DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) is an epigenetic regulator and downstream target of the mTOR pathway. In the present study, we explored the relationship between NGF expression and the mTOR pathway/DNMT1 in RSC96 cells. The results showed that both rapamycin and Torin 1 downregulated NGF expression via the inhibition of phospho-mTOR (Ser 2448) and phospho-S6K1 (Thr 389). Similarly, the silencing of RAPTOR and RICTOR decreased NGF expression by 56.7% and 52.4%, respectively, in RSC96 cells compared with the control siRNA treatment, which was accompanied by reduced phospho-S6K1 (Thr 389). The mTOR/S6K1 activator MHY1485 increased NGF expression by 28.7% and 17.1% 1 day and 2 day after stimulation, respectively, compared to the corresponding control group in RSC96 cells. Furthermore, DNMT1 was enhanced by 94.5% and 42.5% with mTOR pathway inhibitor (rapamycin and Torin 1, respectively) treatment for 3 day compared with the control group. Additionally, the inhibition of DNMT1 with a chemical inhibitor or a specific shRNA plasmid upregulated NGF in RSC96 cells. In summary, our findings suggest that DNMT1 is the downstream target of the mTOR pathway and mediates the mTOR pathway inhibition-induced reduction in NGF expression in Schwann cells. Activation of the mTOR signaling pathway and/or inhibition of DNMT1 increased NGF expression, which may benefit patients suffering from NGF deficiencies, such as diabetic peripheral neuropathy.