Figure 2. Hyperosmotic stress modulates the mTOR and AMPK pathways.

HeLa and HCT116 cultures were exposed to sorbitol or mannitol (200 mOsm) for 0, 5, 15, 30 or 60 min. Total and phosphorylated forms of mTOR, 4EBP1, AMPK, ACC and LC3 I-to-LC3 II conversion were evaluated by Western blot analysis. Representative gels are shown in A. and B.. GAPDH levels were monitored as a loading control. Quantification of gel bands is shown in C.-F. (mean ± SEM, n = 3, *p < 0.05 vs. 0 min).