Loss of AMPKalpha1 Triggers Centrosome Amplification via PLK4 Upregulation in Mouse Embryonic Fibroblasts.

Recent evidence indicates that activation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a highly conserved sensor and modulator of cellular energy and redox, regulates cell mitosis. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms for AMPKα subunit regulation of chromosome segregation remain poorly understood. This study aimed to ascertain if AMPKα1 deletion contributes to chromosome missegregation by elevating Polo-like kinase 4 (PLK4) expression. Centrosome proteins and aneuploidy were monitored in cultured mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) isolated from wild type (WT, C57BL/6J) or AMPKα1 homozygous deficient (AMPKα1−/−) mice by Western blotting and metaphase chromosome spread. Deletion of AMPKα1, the predominant AMPKα isoform in immortalized MEFs, led to centrosome amplification and chromosome missegregation, as well as the consequent aneuploidy (34–66%) and micronucleus. Furthermore, AMPKα1 null cells exhibited a significant induction of PLK4. Knockdown of nuclear factor kappa B2/p52 ameliorated the PLK4 elevation in AMPKα1-deleted MEFs. Finally, PLK4 inhibition by Centrinone reversed centrosome amplification of AMPKα1-deleted MEFs. Taken together, our results suggest that AMPKα1 plays a fundamental role in the maintenance of chromosomal integrity through the control of p52-mediated transcription of PLK4, a trigger of centriole biogenesis.