title: PI3K-dependent GSK3ß(Ser9)-phosphorylation is implicated in the intestinal epithelial cell wound-healing response.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The ability of the intestinal epithelial barrier to respond to various injurious insults is an essential component of intestinal homeostasis. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for wound-healing and repair in the intestine are poorly understood. The glycogen synthase kinase 3ß (GSK3ß) has been implicated in various biological processes such as cellular motility, cell spreading and recently inflammation.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the role of GSK3ß in intestinal epithelial cell restitution.
  
  
  METHODS
  Rat intestinal epithelial IEC18 cells were serum-starved for 16 to 24 h and wounded by multiple scraping. Akt(Ser473)-, GSK3ß(Ser9)- and RelA(Ser536)-phosphorylation were determined by Western blot using specific phospho-antibodies. The inhibitors AG1478 (1 µM) and Ly294002 (25 µM) were used to block EGF-R autophosphorylation and PI3K-activation, respectively. ß-Catenin/LEF/TCF dependent transcription was determined by reporter gene assay (TOP/FOP system). C-myc gene expression was evaluated by real-time RT-PCR. GSK3ß(-/-) mouse embryonic fibroblasts were used to characterize the role of GSK3ß in wounding-induced cell migration.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Wounding induced GSK3ß(Ser9) phosphorylation in IEC-18 cells, which led to ß-catenin accumulation as well as nuclear translocation of ß-catenin. ß-Catenin stabilization/nuclear translocation led to enhanced LEF-TCF transcriptional activity and subsequent c-myc mRNA accumulation in wounded cell monolayers. Blocking PI3K/Akt signaling with Ly294002 prevented wound-induced GSK3ß(Ser9) phosphorylation as well as ß-catenin nuclear translocation and significantly attenuated restitution. Additionally, wounding induced rapid NF-kB(Ser536) phosphorylation, which was inhibited by AG1478, but not by Ly294002. GSK3ß(-/-) cells demonstrated significantly attenuated wound-induced restitution compared to wild-type cells.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We conclude that PI3K-mediated GSK3ß phosphorylation is involved in the intestinal epithelial wound-healing response. Phosphorylation of GSK3ß may be important for intestinal restitution by promoting cell motility in response to wounding.
authors: Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany. thomas.karrasch@klinik.uni-regensburg.de
authors: Thomas
authors: T
authors: Karrasch
authors: Tanja
authors: T
authors: Spaeth
authors: Brigitte
authors: B
authors: Allard
authors: Christian
authors: C
authors: Jobin
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D015153:Blotting, Western; D002460:Cell Line; D017931:DNA Primers; D038362:Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D000071679:Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D019869:Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases / Q000378:metabolism*; D010766:Phosphorylation; D021381:Protein Transport; D051381:Rats; D060888:Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012694:Serine / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction; D014945:Wound Healing; D051176:beta Catenin / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D017931:DNA Primers; D051176:beta Catenin; D012694:Serine; D019869:Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases; D000071679:Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta; D038362:Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3