AMBRA1 (activating molecule in Beclin1-regulated autophagy) is a protein that is able to regulate cancer cells through autophagy. AMBRA1 is described as a mechanism cells use to divide and there is new evidence demonstrating the role and impact of AMBRA1 as a candidate for the treatment of several disorders and diseases, including anticancer therapy. It is known to suppress tumors and plays a role in mitophagy and apoptosis. AMBRA1 can be found in the cytoskeleton and mitochondria and during the process of autophagy, it is localized at the endoplasmic reticulum. In normal conditions, AMBRA1 is dormant and will bind to BCL2 in the outer membrane. This relocation enables autophagosome nucleation. AMBRA1 protein is involved in several cellular processes and is involved in the regulation of the immune system and nervous system.
Function
AMBRA1 serves to regulate the process of autophagy and this is the cellular breakdown and recycling of unnecessary or damaged cellular components. This protein interacts with other proteins and genes to initiate the formation of autophagosomes, an essential component of autophagy. Cellular processes such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cellular metabolism are regulated through the interactions between AMBRA1 and other proteins. AMBRA1 is involved in regulating the cell cycle and it recognizes and binds to D-type cyclins which promotes cell proliferation. This leads to cyclin-D degradation where AMBRA1 suppresses tumors, prevents their growth, and promotes genetic integrity. AMBRA1 is also known to mediate polyubiquitylation of several proteins. Bartolomeo et al. demonstrated AMBRA1 signals the motor complex to initiate autophagy when it is released from microtubules. Through autophagy, cellular homeostasis is maintained, and the buildup of toxic or damaged proteins is prevented. Reynolds(2021) shows the repercussions of the loss of AMBRA1, which can no longer control the cell cycle from uncontrolled cell division and growth. One of the interactions AMBRA1 has with Beclin1 aids in cell proliferation and protein replacement during neural development. AMBRA1 is able to promote activity in PIK3C3, increase kinase activity during autophagy, and activate ULK1. AMBRA1 promotes FOXO3 and Nazio et al. (2021) showed when AMBRA1 is reduced, there is inhibition of STAT3 signaling which reduces the regulation of innate and adaptive immunity. In addition, AMBRA1 is an essential component for STAT3 signaling as FOXO3 regulates gene expression in autophagy.
Mechanism
The exact mechanisms of this protein are not yet fully understood. Several processes including autophagy and apoptosis are some that AMBRA1 is involved with. Through the formation of autophagosomes, structures that engulf cellular components to break them down, autophagy is initiated. AMBRA1 regulates the activity of the mTORC1 complex and this complex serves as a regulator of cell metabolism and growth. Apart from autophagy, AMBRA1 plays an essential role in apoptosis and cell proliferation. For enabling cell death, the p53 pathway is activated and this is done upon the release of cytochrome C from mitochondria. AMBRA1 has been a topic of research for anti-cancer therapies through the regulation of the immune system. AMBRA1 is additionally involved in the development of the nervous system through the regulation of biological processes involving Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.