bims-sikglu Biomed News
on Salt inducible kinases in glucose metabolism
Issue of 2024–06–02
two papers selected by
Dipsikha Biswas, Københavns Universitet and Maria Madrazo i Montoya, Københavns Universitet



  1. SLAS Discov. 2024 May 24. pii: S2472-5552(24)00027-3. [Epub ahead of print] 100165
      We report the development of a 384-well formatted NanoBRET assay to characterize molecular glues of 14-3-3/client interactions in living cells. The seven isoforms of 14-3-3 are dimeric hub proteins with diverse roles including transcription factor regulation and signal transduction. 14-3-3 interacts with hundreds of client proteins to regulate their function and is therefore an ideal therapeutic target when client selectivity can be achieved. We have developed the NanoBRET system for three 14-3-3σ client proteins CRAF, TAZ, and estrogen receptor α (ERα), which represent three specific binding modes. We have measured stabilization of 14-3-3σ/client complexes by molecular glues with EC50 values between 100 nM and 1 μM in cells, which align with the EC50 values calculated by fluorescence anisotropy in vitro. Developing this NanoBRET system for the hub protein 14-3-3σ allows for a streamlined approach, bypassing multiple optimization steps in the assay development process for other 14-3-3σ clients. The NanoBRET system allows for an assessment of PPI stabilization in a more physiologically relevant, cell-based environment using full-length proteins. The method is applicable to diverse protein-protein interactions (PPIs) and offers a robust platform to explore libraries of compounds for both PPI stabilizers and inhibitors.
    Keywords:  14-3-3; NanoBRET; PPI; bioluminescence energy transfer; cell assay; digitonin; drug discovery; molecular glue; nuclear export signal (NES); screening; stabilization
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.slasd.2024.100165
  2. Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2024 May 29. pii: S1043-2760(24)00124-3. [Epub ahead of print]
      Abnormally increased hepatic gluconeogenesis is a significant contributor to hyperglycemia in the fasting state in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) due to insulin resistance. Metformin, the most prescribed drug for the treatment of T2DM, is believed to exert its effect mainly by reducing hepatic gluconeogenesis. Here, we discuss how increased hepatic gluconeogenesis contributes to T2DM and we review newly revealed mechanisms underlying the attenuation of gluconeogenesis by metformin. In addition, we analyze the recent findings on new determinants involved in the regulation of gluconeogenesis, which might ultimately lead to the identification of novel and targeted treatment strategies for T2DM.
    Keywords:  AMPK; glucagon; insulin; lactate; metformin
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tem.2024.05.006