Crosstalk between Glucocorticoid Receptor and Nutritional Sensor mTOR in Skeletal Muscle

SummaryMaintenance of skeletal muscle mass relies on the dynamic balance between anabolic and catabolic processes and is important for motility, systemic energy homeostasis, and viability. We identified direct target genes of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in skeletal muscle, i.e., REDD1 and KLF15. As well as REDD1, KLF15 inhibits mTOR activity, but via a distinct mechanism involving BCAT2 gene activation. Moreover, KLF15 upregulates the expression of the E3 ubiquitin ligases atrogin-1 and MuRF1 genes and negatively modulates myofiber size. Thus, GR is a liaison involving a variety of downstream molecular cascades toward muscle atrophy. Notably, mTOR activation inhibits GR transcription function and efficiently counteracts the catabolic processes provoked by glucocorticoids. This mutually exclusive crosstalk between GR and mTOR, a highly coordinated interaction between the catabolic hormone signal and the anabolic machinery, may be a rational mechanism for fine-tuning of muscle volume and a potential therapeutic target for muscle wasting.

Graphical AbstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (406 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► REDD1 and KLF15 are GR target genes ► KLF15 transactivates E3 ubiquitin ligase genes, atrogin-1 and MuRF1 ► KLF15 negatively modulates myofiber size ► mTOR attenuates GR target gene transcription and glucocorticoid-induced muscle atrophy