Journal of Jilin University(Medicine Edition) ›› 2021, Vol. 47 ›› Issue (3): 575-586.doi: 10.13481/j.1671-587X.20210306

• Research in basic medicine • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Effect of mTOR phosphorylation level on proliferation,autophagy,and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts and its mechanism

Xining LI1,Wei WENG2,Zheyuan SHEN2,Xiaojie DOU2,Yu ZHAO1,Jikang MIN2()   

  1. 1.Department of Pathology,School of Medicine,Huzhou University,Huzhou 313000,China
    2.Department of Orthopaedics,First Affiliated Hospital,Huzhou University,Huzhou 313000,China
  • Received:2020-10-21 Online:2021-05-28 Published:2021-05-28
  • Contact: Jikang MIN E-mail:2504074093@qq.com

Abstract: Objective

To inhibit and activate the phosphorylation of mammalian target protein of rapamycin (mTOR) by rapamycin (RAPA) and MHY1485,and to discuss the effect of level of phosphorylated mTOR(p-mTOR) on the proliferation, autophagy and differentiation of osteoblasts and its mechanism.

Methods

The mouse MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts were divided into control group, 20 nmol·L-1 RAPA group, 60 nmol·L-1 RAPA group, 160 nmol·L-1 RAPA group and 2.0 μmol·L-1 MHY1485 group. The percentages MC3T3E1 osteoblasts at different cell cycles in various groups were detected by flow cytometry;the expression levels of mTOR and downstream signals—IF4E-binding protein 1 (4E-BP1) and ribosome protein subunit 6 kinase 1 (S6K1),B cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2),Bcl-2 related X protein(Bax),and Caspase-3,alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2),and osteoblast-related transcription factor Osterix were detected by Western blotting and Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR) methods;the mineralization ability of MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts in various groups was observed by Alizarin red staining.

Results

Compared with control group, the proliferation activities of MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts in 20 and 60 nmol·L-1RAPA groups were significantly increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01), the percentages of MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts at G1 phase were increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01),the percentages of the MCET3-E1 osteoblasts at S phase were increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01),the expression levels of p-mTOR and its downstream pathway of p-4E-BP1 and p-S6K1, as well as p62,Bax,and Cleaved-Caspase-3 were decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01),and the expression levels of LC3-Ⅱ, Bcl-2, ALP and Runx2 were increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01).Compared with control group,the proliferation activity of MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts in 160 nmol·L-1 RAPA group was significantly decreased(P<0.01),and the expression levels of p-mTOR,p-4E-BP1, and p-S6K1 were decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01);the proliferation activity of MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts in 2.0 μmol·L-1 MHY1485 group was decreased(P<0.01),and the expression levels of p-mTOR,p-4E-BP1, and p-S6K1 were decreased(P<0.01);however,the expression levels of Bax and Cleaved-Caspase-3 in both 160 nmol·L-1 RAPA and 2.0 μmol·L-1 MHY1485 groups were increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01),and the expression levels of Bcl-2, ALP, Runx2, and Osterix were decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Twelve days after treatment, the mineralized nodules were found in the MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts in 20 and 60 nmol·L-1RAPA groups, and only a very small amount of calcium salt were found in the MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts in 160 nmol·L-1 RAPA and 2.0 μmol·L-1 MHY1485 groups.

Conclusion

Mild to moderate inhibition of mTOR phosphorylation can promote the proliferation, autophagy and differentiation of the MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts,while excessive inhibition and enhancement of mTOR phosphorylation have the opposite effect.

Key words: mammalian target of rapamycin, osteoblasts, cell proliferation, autophagy, cell differentiation

CLC Number: 

  • R329.28