Syndecan-4 regulates subcellular localization of mTOR Complex2 and Akt activation in a PKCalpha-dependent manner in endothelial cells

Mol Cell. 2008 Oct 10;32(1):140-9. doi: 10.1016/j.molcel.2008.09.010.

Abstract

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activity is regulated by assembly of two functionally distinct complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2. In syndecan-4 (S4) null endothelial cells, mTORC2 activity is reduced, resulting in decreased Akt activation, while mTORC1 activity is increased. Levels of rictor, mLST8, and mSin-1 are unchanged in total cell lysates but decreased in the rafts of S4(-/-) endothelial cells, as is the level of PKCalpha. Expression of myristoylated-PKCalpha in S4(-/-) cells restores rictor, mLST8, and mSin-1 presence in the rafts and rescues Akt phosphorylation. PKCalpha knockdown mimics the effect of S4 deletion on mTORC2 localization and Akt activation. Reduced mTORC2 activity in S4(-/-) endothelial cells results in decreased FoxO1/3a and eNOS phosphorylation, decreased endothelial cell size, and increased arterial blood pressure in S4(-/-) mice. Thus, S4-dependent targeting of PKCalpha to the plasma membrane is required for recruitment of mTORC2 components to the rafts and Akt activation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Transport, Active
  • Cell Line
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Endothelial Cells / drug effects
  • Endothelial Cells / metabolism
  • Enzyme Activation / drug effects
  • Growth Substances / pharmacology
  • Membrane Microdomains / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Models, Biological
  • Protein Kinase C-alpha / metabolism*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt / metabolism*
  • Syndecan-4 / deficiency
  • Syndecan-4 / genetics
  • Syndecan-4 / metabolism*
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases / metabolism*

Substances

  • Growth Substances
  • Sdc4 protein, mouse
  • Syndecan-4
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases
  • Prkca protein, mouse
  • Protein Kinase C-alpha