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Phytoecdysteroids Activate PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling and Stimulate Protein Synthesis in Skeletal Muscle of Young Mice
Author(s) -
Zwetsloot Kevin,
Shanely R.,
Zemmin Chelsea,
Redman Jaclyn,
Woerner Shaun,
Kesselring John
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.29.1_supplement.825.3
Subject(s) - pi3k/akt/mtor pathway , protein kinase b , puromycin , skeletal muscle , western blot , endocrinology , medicine , biology , signal transduction , protein biosynthesis , microbiology and biotechnology , biochemistry , gene
Phytoecdysteroids are natural plant steroids synthesized by a variety of hardy plants. Phytoecdysteroids, such as 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E), elicit anabolic growth effects on tissues. Previous research indicates that 20E stimulates protein synthesis in cultured muscle cells and increases grip strength in young rats after 28 days of supplementation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent to which an acute dose of 20E activates PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling and stimulates protein synthesis in skeletal muscle in vivo . Male C57BL6 mice (3‐4 mo old) were fasted for 18 hr prior to receiving a single oral dose of 20E. Mice received an IP injection of puromycin (0.040 μmol/g BW) 15 min prior to tissue harvest to assess protein synthesis. Skeletal muscles were harvested at multiple time points (15‐120 min) after 20E treatment. PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling activation was measured via Western blot and activation of protein synthesis was assessed using the SUnSET method and Western blot. Compared to vehicle, a single oral dose of 20E acutely increased PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling and puromycin incorporation. These findings suggest that the phytoecdysteroid, 20E, activates the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and stimulates protein synthesis in skeletal muscle of young mice.