The ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme UbcM2 can regulate the stability and activity of the antioxidant transcription factor Nrf2

Inhibition of miR-143-3p Restores Blood-Testis Barrier Function and Ameliorates Sertoli Cell Senescence

Due to the increasing trend of delayed childbirth, the age-related decline in male reproductive function has become a widely recognized issue. Sertoli cells (SCs) play a vital role in creating the necessary microenvironment for spermatogenesis in the testis. However, the mechanism underlying Sertoli cell aging is still unclear. In this study, senescent Sertoli cells showed a substantial upregulation of miR-143-3p expression. miR-143-3p was found to limit Sertoli cell proliferation, promote cellular senescence, and cause blood-testis barrier (BTB) dysfunction by targeting ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 E3 (UBE2E3). Additionally, the TGF-β receptor inhibitor SB431542 showed potential in alleviating age-related BTB dysfunction, rescuing testicular atrophy, and reversing the reduction in germ cell numbers by negatively regulating miR-143-3p. These findings clarified the regulatory pathways underlying Sertoli cell senescence and suggested a promising therapeutic approach to restore BTB function, alleviate Sertoli cell senescence, and improve reproductive outcomes for individuals facing fertility challenges.

Recent progress and applications of small molecule inhibitors of Keap1-Nrf2 axis for neurodegenerative diseases

The Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)-nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway serves as a crucial regulator against oxidative stress (OS) damage in various cells and organs. It has garnered significant attention as a potential therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases (NDD). Although progress has been achieved in strategies to regulate the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway, the availability of Nrf2 activators applicable to NDD is currently limited. Currently, the FDA has approved the Nrf2 activators dimethyl fumarate (DMF) and Omaveloxolone (Omav) as novel first-line oral drugs for the treatment of patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis and Friedreich's ataxia. A promising alternative approach involves the direct inhibition of Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interactions (PPI), which offers numerous advantages over the use of electrophilic Nrf2 activators, primarily in avoiding off-target effects. This review examines the compelling evidence supporting the beneficial role of Nrf2 in NDD and explores the potential of Keap1 inhibitors and Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitors as therapeutic agents, with the aim to provide further insights into the development of inhibitors targeting this pathway for the treatment of NDD.

Nrf2: A promising therapeutic target in bone-related diseases

Nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) plays an important role in maintaining cellular homeostasis, as it suppresses cell damage caused by external stimuli by regulating the transcription of intracellular defense-related genes. Accumulating evidence has highlighted the crucial role of reduction-oxidation (REDOX) imbalance in the development of bone-related diseases. Nrf2, a transcription factor linked to nuclear factor-erythrocyte 2, plays a pivotal role in the regulation of oxidative stress and induction of antioxidant defenses. Therefore, further investigation of the mechanism and function of Nrf2 in bone-related diseases is essential. Considerable evidence suggests that increased nuclear transcription of Nrf2 in response to external stimuli promotes the expression of intracellular antioxidant-related genes, which in turn leads to the inhibition of bone remodeling imbalance, improved fracture recovery, reduced occurrence of osteoarthritis, and greater tumor resistance. Certain natural extracts can selectively target Nrf2, potentially offering therapeutic benefits for osteogenic arthropathy. In this article, the biological characteristics of Nrf2 are reviewed, the intricate interplay between Nrf2-regulated REDOX imbalance and bone-related diseases is explored, and the potential preventive and protective effects of natural products targeting Nrf2 in these diseases are elucidated. A comprehensive understanding of the role of Nrf2 in the development of bone-related diseases provides valuable insights into clinical interventions and can facilitate the discovery of novel Nrf2-targeting drugs.

NRF2 signaling pathway and telomere length in aging and age-related diseases

The transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is well recognized as a critical regulator of redox, metabolic, and protein homeostasis, as well as the regulation of inflammation. An age-associated decline in NRF2 activity may allow oxidative stress to remain unmitigated and affect key features associated with the aging phenotype, including telomere shortening. Telomeres, the protective caps of eukaryotic chromosomes, are highly susceptible to oxidative DNA damage, which can accelerate telomere shortening and, consequently, lead to premature senescence and genomic instability. In this review, we explore how the dysregulation of NRF2, coupled with an increase in oxidative stress, might be a major determinant of telomere shortening and age-related diseases. We discuss the relevance of the connection between NRF2 deficiency in aging and telomere attrition, emphasizing the importance of studying this functional link to enhance our understanding of aging pathologies. Finally, we present a number of compounds that possess the ability to restore NRF2 function, maintain a proper redox balance, and preserve telomere length during aging.

Role of the Nrf2 Signaling Pathway in Ovarian Aging: Potential Mechanism and Protective Strategies

The ovary holds a significant role as a reproductive endocrine organ in women, and its aging process bears implications such as menopause, decreased fertility, and long-term health risks including osteoporosis, cardiovascular disorders, and cognitive decline. The phenomenon of oxidative stress is tightly linked to the aging metabolic processes. More and more studies have demonstrated that oxidative stress impacts both physiologic and pathologic ovarian aging, and the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway plays a crucial role in regulating the antioxidant response. Furthermore, various therapeutic approaches have been identified to ameliorate ovarian aging by modulating the Nrf2 pathway. This review summarizes the important role of the Nrf2/ Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) signaling pathway in regulating oxidative stress and influencing ovarian aging. Additionally, it highlights the therapeutic strategies aimed at targeting the Nrf2/Keap1 pathway.

The mechanistic insights of the antioxidant Keap1-Nrf2 pathway in oncogenesis: a deadly scenario

The Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) protein has garnered significant interest due to its crucial function in safeguarding cells and tissues. The Nrf2 protein is crucial in preserving tissue integrity by safeguarding cells against metabolic, xenobiotic and oxidative stress. Due to its various functions, Nrf2 is a potential pharmacological target for reducing the incidence of diseases such as cancer. However, mutations in Keap1-Nrf2 are not consistently favored in all types of cancer. Instead, they seem to interact with specific driver mutations of tumors and their respective tissue origins. The Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)-Nrf2 pathway mutations are a powerful cancer adaptation that utilizes inherent cytoprotective pathways, encompassing nutrient metabolism and ROS regulation. The augmentation of Nrf2 activity elicits significant alterations in the characteristics of neoplastic cells, such as resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, safeguarding against apoptosis, heightened invasiveness, hindered senescence, impaired autophagy and increased angiogenesis. The altered activity of Nrf2 can arise from diverse genetic and epigenetic modifications that instantly impact Nrf2 regulation. The present study aims to showcase the correlation between the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway and the progression of cancers, emphasizing genetic mutations, metabolic processes, immune regulation, and potential therapeutic strategies. This article delves into the intricacies of Nrf2 pathway anomalies in cancer, the potential ramifications of uncontrolled Nrf2 activity, and therapeutic interventions to modulate the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway.

Roles of Oxidative Stress and Nrf2 Signaling in Pathogenic and Non-Pathogenic Cells: A Possible General Mechanism of Resistance to Therapy

The coordinating role of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in cellular function is undeniable. Evidence indicates that this transcription factor exerts massive regulatory functions in multiple signaling pathways concerning redox homeostasis and xenobiotics, macromolecules, and iron metabolism. Being the master regulator of antioxidant system, Nrf2 controls cellular fate, influencing cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, resistance to therapy, and senescence processes, as well as infection disease success. Because Nrf2 is the key coordinator of cell defence mechanisms, dysregulation of its signaling has been associated with carcinogenic phenomena and infectious and age-related diseases. Deregulation of this cytoprotective system may also interfere with immune response. Oxidative burst, one of the main microbicidal mechanisms, could be impaired during the initial phagocytosis of pathogens, which could lead to the successful establishment of infection and promote susceptibility to infectious diseases. There is still a knowledge gap to fill regarding the molecular mechanisms by which Nrf2 orchestrates such complex networks involving multiple pathways. This review describes the role of Nrf2 in non-pathogenic and pathogenic cells.

Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Impaired Antioxidant Responses in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells Derived from a Patient with RCBTB1-Associated Retinopathy

Mutations in the RCBTB1 gene cause inherited retinal disease; however, the pathogenic mechanisms associated with RCBTB1 deficiency remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the effect of RCBTB1 deficiency on mitochondria and oxidative stress responses in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells from control subjects and a patient with RCBTB1-associated retinopathy. Oxidative stress was induced with tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP). RPE cells were characterized by immunostaining, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), CellROX assay, MitoTracker assay, quantitative PCR and immunoprecipitation assay. Patient-derived RPE cells displayed abnormal mitochondrial ultrastructure and reduced MitoTracker fluorescence compared with controls. Patient RPE cells displayed increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and were more sensitive to tBHP-induced ROS generation than control RPE. Control RPE upregulated RCBTB1 and NFE2L2 expression in response to tBHP treatment; however, this response was highly attenuated in patient RPE. RCBTB1 was co-immunoprecipitated from control RPE protein lysates by antibodies for either UBE2E3 or CUL3. Together, these results demonstrate that RCBTB1 deficiency in patient-derived RPE cells is associated with mitochondrial damage, increased oxidative stress and an attenuated oxidative stress response.

UBE2E2 enhances Snail-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition and Nrf2-mediated antioxidant activity in ovarian cancer

Dissemination of ovarian cancer (OvCa) cells can lead to inoperable metastatic lesions in the bowel and omentum, which have a poor prognosis despite surgical and chemotherapeutical options. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying metastasis is urgently needed. In this study, bioinformatics analyses revealed that UBE2E2, a less-studied ubiquitin (Ub)-conjugating enzyme (E2), was upregulated in OvCa and was associated with poor prognosis. Subsequently, we performed western blot analysis and IHC staining with 88 OvCa and 26 normal ovarian tissue samples, which further confirmed that UBE2E2 protein is highly expressed in OvCa tissue but weakly expressed in normal tissue. Furthermore, the silencing of UBE2E2 blocked OvCa cell migration, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis in vitro, whereas UBE2E2 overexpression exerted the opposite effects. Mechanistically, UBE2E2 promoted p62 accumulation and increased the activity of the Nrf2-antioxidant response element (ARE) system, which ultimately activated the Snail signaling pathway by inhibiting the ubiquitin-mediated degradation of Snail. Additionally, co-IP and immunofluorescence demonstrated that a direct interaction exists between UBE2E2 and Nrf2, and the N-terminal of UBE2E2 (residues 1-52) is required and sufficient for its interaction with Nrf2 protein. Mutations in the active site cysteine (Cys139) impaired both the function and cellular distribution of UBE2E2. More importantly, the deletion of UBE2E2 reduced tumorigenicity and metastasis in xenograft OvCa mouse models. Taken together, our findings reveal the role of the UBE2E2-Nrf2-p62-Snail signaling axis in OvCa and thus provides novel therapeutic targets for the prevention of OvCa metastasis.

Role of Nrf2 Pathway Activation in Neurological Disorder: A Brief Review

Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the emergence of numerous neurodegenerative diseases, with protein accumulation and mitochondrial damage, which result in neurological disorders. To minimize oxidative stress, several defensive mechanisms protect nerve cells by releasing antioxidants such as nuclear erythroid factor2 (Nrf2)-Kelch-like ECH-associated protein1 (Keap1) signaling pathway activation has been proved to be a prospective treatment to reduce oxidative stress and neuroinflammation for protection of neurons in a variety of neurological disorders. In this review, we focus beneficial role of Nrf2 in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Nrf2 is proved to be a master regulator of antioxidants by releasing over 250 cytoprotective genes aimed at oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. In animal studies Nrf2 activation is proved to improve autophagy, mitochondrial biogenesis, and Suppression of inflammatory cytokinin which protects neuronal cells and inhibit progressive neurodegeneration.

The Role of Nrf2 in Pulmonary Fibrosis: Molecular Mechanisms and Treatment Approaches

Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic, progressive, incurable interstitial lung disease with high mortality after diagnosis and remains a global public health problem. Despite advances and breakthroughs in understanding the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis, there are still no effective methods for the prevention and treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. The existing treatment options are imperfect, expensive, and have considerable limitations in effectiveness and safety. Hence, there is an urgent need to find novel therapeutic targets. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a central regulator of cellular antioxidative responses, inflammation, and restoration of redox balance. Accumulating reports reveal that Nrf2 activators exhibit potent antifibrosis effects and significantly attenuate pulmonary fibrosis in vivo and in vitro. This review summarizes the current Nrf2-related knowledge about the regulatory mechanism and potential therapies in the process of pulmonary fibrosis. Nrf2 orchestrates the activation of multiple protective genes that target inflammation, oxidative stress, fibroblast–myofibroblast differentiation (FMD), and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), and the mechanisms involve Nrf2 and its downstream antioxidant, Nrf2/HO−1/NQO1, Nrf2/NOX4, and Nrf2/GSH signaling pathway. We hope to indicate potential for Nrf2 system as a therapeutic target for pulmonary fibrosis.

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and mechanisms by which it is ameliorated by activation of the CNC-bZIP transcription factor Nrf2

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) represents a global health concern. It is characterised by fatty liver, hepatocyte cell death and inflammation, which are associated with lipotoxicity, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, iron overload and oxidative stress. NF-E2 p45-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor that combats oxidative stress. Remarkably, Nrf2 is downregulated during the development of NASH, which probably accelerates disease, whereas in pre-clinical studies the upregulation of Nrf2 inhibits NASH. We now review the scientific literature that proposes Nrf2 downregulation during NASH involves its increased ubiquitylation and proteasomal degradation, mediated by Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) and/or β-transducin repeat-containing protein (β-TrCP) and/or HMG-CoA reductase degradation protein 1 (Hrd1, also called synoviolin (SYVN1)). Additionally, downregulation of Nrf2-mediated transcription during NASH may involve diminished recruitment of coactivators by Nrf2, due to increased levels of activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) p65, or competition for promoter binding due to upregulation of BTB and CNC homology 1 (Bach1). Many processes that downregulate Nrf2 are triggered by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), with oxidative stress amplifying its signalling. Oxidative stress may also increase suppression of Nrf2 by β-TrCP through facilitating formation of the DSGIS-containing phosphodegron in Nrf2 by glycogen synthase kinase-3. In animal models, knockout of Nrf2 increases susceptibility to NASH, while pharmacological activation of Nrf2 by inducing agents that target Keap1 inhibits development of NASH. These inducing agents probably counter Nrf2 downregulation affected by β-TrCP, Hrd1/SYVN1, ATF3, NF-κB p65 and Bach1, by suppressing oxidative stress. Activation of Nrf2 is also likely to inhibit NASH by ameliorating lipotoxicity, inflammation, ER stress and iron overload. Crucially, pharmacological activation of Nrf2 in mice in which NASH has already been established supresses liver steatosis and inflammation. There is therefore compelling evidence that pharmacological activation of Nrf2 provides a comprehensive multipronged strategy to treat NASH.

Posttranscriptional regulation of Nrf2 through miRNAs and their role in Alzheimer's disease

The nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-related factor 2 (NFE2L2/Nrf2) is a pivotal facilitator of cytoprotective responses against the oxidative/electrophilic insults. Upon activation, Nrf2 induces transcription of a wide range of cytoprotective genes having antioxidant response element (ARE) in their promoter region. Dysfunction in Nrf2 signaling has been linked to the pathogenesis of AD and several studies have suggested that boosting Nrf2 expression/activity by genetic or pharmacological approaches is beneficial in AD. Among the diverse mechanisms that regulate the Nrf2 signaling, miRNAs-mediated regulation of Nrf2 has gained much attention in recent years. Several miRNAs have been reported to directly repress the post-transcriptional expression of Nrf2 and thereby negatively regulate the Nrf2-dependent cellular cytoprotective response in AD. Moreover, several Nrf2 targeting miRNAs are misregulated in AD brains. This review is focused on the role of misregulated miRNAs that directly target Nrf2, in AD pathophysiology. Here, alongside a general description of functional interactions between miRNAs and Nrf2, we have reviewed the evidence indicating the possible role of these miRNAs in AD pathogenesis.

UBE2E3 regulates cellular senescence and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs during aging

Background

Osteoporosis has gradually become a public health problem in the world. However, the exact molecular mechanism of osteoporosis still remains unclear. Senescence and osteogenic differentiation inhibition of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs ) are supposed to play an important part in osteoporosis.

Methods

We used two gene expression profiles (GSE35956 and GSE35958) associated with osteoporosis and selected the promising gene Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 E3 (UBE2E3). We then verified its function and mechanism by in vitro experiments.

Results

UBE2E3 was highly expressed in the bone marrow and positively associated with osteogenesis related genes. Besides, UBE2E3 expression reduced in old BMSCs compared with that in young BMSCs. In in vitro experiments, knockdown of UBE2E3 accelerated cellular senescence and inhibited osteogenic differentiation of young BMSCs. On the other hand, overexpression of UBE2E3 attenuated cellular senescence as well as enhanced osteogenic differentiation of old BMSCs. Mechanistically, UBE2E3 might regulate the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) and control its function, thus affecting the senescence and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs.

Conclusion

UBE2E3 may be potentially involved in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis by regulating cellular senescence and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs.

Dietary tryptophan supplementation does not affect growth but increases brain serotonin level and modulates the expression of some liver genes in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

This study aimed at assessing the effects of the dietary tryptophan (Trp) supplementation on growth and feed utilization, brain serotonin content, and expression of selected liver genes (involved in the liver serotonin pathway, protein synthesis degradation, and antioxidant activity) in zebrafish. A growth trial was conducted with zebrafish juveniles fed five experimental isoproteic (40%DM) and isolipidic (8%DM) fishmeal-based diets containing graded levels of Trp: a Trp-non-supplemented diet (diet Trp0, with 0.22% Trp) and four Trp-supplemented diets containing 2-16 times higher Trp content (diets Trp2, Trp4, Trp8, and Trp16 with 0.40, 0.91, 2.02, and 3.34% Trp, respectively). Diets were tested in quadruplicate, with fish being fed twice a day, 6 days a week for 6 weeks to apparent visual satiation. At the end of the trial, growth performance and feed utilization were assessed, and fish from all experimental groups were sampled for whole-body composition analysis. In addition, fish fed low (Trp0), medium (Trp4), and high (Trp16) Trp diets were also sampled for analysis of brain serotonin content and liver gene expression. Tested tryptophan levels did not influence growth performance nor feed intake. However, values of energy and nitrogen retention as well as body energy content indicate a better feed utilization with diets containing around 0.9% and 2.0% DM Trp. Brain serotonin content increased with increasing dietary tryptophan levels. In addition, regarding liver genes, dietary treatment had a modulatory effect on the expression of Htr1aa and Htr2cl1 genes (encoding for serotonin receptors), TPH1a gene (encoding for tryptophan hydroxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of serotonin from tryptophan), TOR gene (involved in protein synthesis), and Keap1 gene (involved in antioxidant responses).

Role of NRF2 in Lung Cancer

The gene expression program induced by NRF2 transcription factor plays a critical role in cell defense responses against a broad variety of cellular stresses, most importantly oxidative stress. NRF2 stability is fine-tuned regulated by KEAP1, which drives its degradation in the absence of oxidative stress. In the context of cancer, NRF2 cytoprotective functions were initially linked to anti-oncogenic properties. However, in the last few decades, growing evidence indicates that NRF2 acts as a tumor driver, inducing metastasis and resistance to chemotherapy. Constitutive activation of NRF2 has been found to be frequent in several tumors, including some lung cancer sub-types and it has been associated to the maintenance of a malignant cell phenotype. This apparently contradictory effect of the NRF2/KEAP1 signaling pathway in cancer (cell protection against cancer versus pro-tumoral properties) has generated a great controversy about its functions in this disease. In this review, we will describe the molecular mechanism regulating this signaling pathway in physiological conditions and summarize the most important findings related to the role of NRF2/KEAP1 in lung cancer. The focus will be placed on NRF2 activation mechanisms, the implication of those in lung cancer progression and current therapeutic strategies directed at blocking NRF2 action.

Regulation of Nrf2 by phosphorylation: Consequences for biological function and therapeutic implications

The transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2 (NRF2) participates in the activation of the antioxidant cytoprotective pathway and other important physiological processes to maintain cellular homeostasis. The dysregulation of NRF2 activity plays a role in various diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. Thus, NRF2 activity is tightly regulated through multiple mechanisms, among which phosphorylation by kinases is critical in the posttranslational regulation of NRF2. For instance, PKC, casein kinase 2, and AMP-activated kinase positively, while GSK-3 negatively regulates NRF2 activity through phosphorylation of different sites. Here, we provide an overview of the phosphorylation regulation pattern of NRF2 and discuss the therapeutic potential of interventions targeting NRF2 phosphorylation.

Deficiency of optineurin enhances osteoclast differentiation by attenuating the NRF2-mediated antioxidant response

Abnormally increased resorption contributes to bone degenerative diseases such as Paget's disease of bone (PDB) through unclear mechanisms. Recently, the optineurin (OPTN) gene has been implicated in PDB, and global OPTN knockout mice (Optn^-/-) were shown to exhibit increased formation of osteoclasts (osteoclastogenesis). Growing evidence, including our own, has demonstrated that intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) stimulated by receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) can act as signaling molecules to promote osteoclastogenesis. Here, we report that OPTN interacts with nuclear factor erythroid-derived factor 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), the master regulator of the antioxidant response, defining a pathway through which RANKL-induced ROS could be regulated for osteoclastogenesis. In this study, monocytes from Optn^-/- and wild-type (Optn^+/+) mice were utilized to differentiate into osteoclasts, and both qRT-PCR and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining showed that the Optn^-/- monocytes exhibited enhanced osteoclastogenesis compared to the Optn^+/+ cells. CellROX^® staining, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting indicated that OPTN deficiency reduced the basal expression of Nrf2, inhibited the expression of NRF2-responsive antioxidants, and increased basal and RANKL-induced intracellular ROS levels, leading to enhanced osteoclastogenesis. Coimmunoprecipitation (co-IP) showed direct interaction, and immunofluorescence staining showed perinuclear colocalization of the OPTN-NRF2 granular structures during differentiation. Finally, curcumin and the other NRF2 activators attenuated the hyperactive osteoclastogenesis induced by OPTN deficiency. Collectively, our findings reveal a novel OPTN-mediated mechanism for regulating the NRF2-mediated antioxidant response in osteoclasts and extend the therapeutic potential of OPTN in the aging process resulting from ROS-triggered oxidative stress, which is associated with PDB and many other degenerative diseases.

Role of long non-coding RNAs on the regulation of Nrf2 in chronic diseases

Studies have identified dysregulated long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) in several diseases at transcriptional, translational, and post-translational levels. Although our mechanistic knowledge on the regulation of lncRNAs is still limited, one of the mechanisms of action attributed is binding and regulating transcription factors, thus controlling gene expression and protein function. One such transcription factor is nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), which plays a critical biological role in maintaining cellular homeostasis at multiple levels in physiological and pathophysiological conditions. The levels of Nrf2 were found to be down-regulated in many chronic diseases, signifying that Nrf2 can be a key therapeutic target. Few lncRNAs like lncRNA ROR, ENSMUST00000125413, lncRNA ODRUL, Nrf2-lncRNA have been associated with the Nrf2 signaling pathway in response to various stimuli, including stress. This review discusses the regulation of Nrf2 in different responses and the potential role of specific lncRNA in modulating its transcriptional activities. This review further helps to enhance our knowledge on the regulatory role of the critical antioxidant transcription factor, Nrf2.

Reactive Oxygen Species: Drivers of Physiological and Pathological Processes

Since the Great Oxidation Event, about 2.4 billion years ago, the Earth is immersed in an oxidizing atmosphere. Thus, it has been proposed that excess oxygen, originally a waste product of photosynthetic cyanobacteria, induced oxidative stress and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which have since acted as fundamental drivers of biologic evolution and eukaryogenesis. Indeed, throughout an organism’s lifespan, ROS affect directly (as mutagens) or indirectly (as messengers and regulators) all structural and functional components of cells, and many aspects of cell biology. Whether left unchecked by protective antioxidant systems, excess ROS not only cause genomic mutations but also induce irreversible oxidative modification of proteins (protein oxidation and peroxidation), lipids and glycans (advanced lipoxidation and glycation end products), impairing their function and promoting disease or cell death. Conversely, low-level local ROS play an important role both as redox-signaling molecules in a wide spectrum of pathways involved in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis (MAPK/ERK, PTK/PTP, PI3K-AKT-mTOR), and regulating key transcription factors (NFκB/IκB, Nrf2/KEAP1, AP-1, p53, HIF-1). Consequently, ROS can shape a variety of cellular functions, including proliferation, differentiation, migration and apoptosis. In this review, we will give a brief overview of the relevance of ROS in both physiological and pathological processes, particularly inflammation and aging. In-depth knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of ROS actuation and their influence under steady-state and stressful conditions will pave the way for the development of novel therapeutic interventions. This will mitigate the harmful outcomes of ROS in the onset and progression of a variety of chronic inflammatory and age-related diseases.

Pharmacological activation of Nrf2 promotes wound healing

Wound repair and regeneration is a complex orchestrated process, comprising several phases interconnecting various cellular events and triggering multiple intracellular molecular pathways in damaged cells and tissues. In several metabolic disorders including diabetes mellitus, delay in wound healing due to elevated levels of cellular stress poses a key challenge. Several therapeutic wound dressing materials and strategies including hyperbaric oxygen therapy and negative pressure wound therapy have been developed to accelerate repair and restore cellular homeostasis at the wound site. Further, tremendous progress has been made in identification of transcriptional regulators involved in the process of wound healing. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a redox sensitive transcription factor, is the key regulator of intracellular redox homeostasis which induces the expression of cytoprotective genes and increases the production of antioxidants that scavenge free radicals. Activators of Nrf2 have been reported to combat oxidative stress and enhance the process of wound healing in several pathophysiological conditions, including diabetes and its complications such as diabetic foot ulcer, and chronic kidney disease, and diabetic nephropathy. Several bioactive compounds have been reported to reduce cellular stress, and thus accelerate cell proliferation, neovascularization results in repairing damaged tissues by the activation of the transcription factor, Nrf2. This review is focused on the strategies for diabetic wound healing and the highlights the role of bioactive compounds that activate the Nrf2 signaling and revitalize the cellular and molecular mechanism in the chronic wound niche, regulate and restore redox homeostasis thereby promoting wound repair and regeneration.

Conventional and Nanotechnology Based Approaches to Combat Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Implications for Chronic Airway Diseases

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the most prevalent obstructive lung disease worldwide characterized by decline in lung function. It is associated with airway obstruction, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, mucus hypersecretion, and enhanced autophagy and cellular senescence. Cigarette smoke being the major risk factor, other secondary risk factors such as the exposure to air pollutants, occupational exposure to gases and fumes in developing countries, also contribute to the pathogenesis of COPD. Conventional therapeutic strategies of COPD are based on anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory drugs. However, traditional anti-oxidant pharmacological therapies are commonly used to alleviate the impact of COPD as they have many associated repercussions such as low diffusion rate and inappropriate drug pharmacokinetics. Recent advances in nanotechnology and stem cell research have shed new light on the current treatment of chronic airway disease. This review is focused on some of the anti-oxidant therapies currently used in the treatment and management of COPD with more emphasis on the recent advances in nanotechnology-based therapeutics including stem cell and gene therapy approaches for the treatment of chronic airway disease such as COPD and asthma.

Nuclear factor erythroid 2 (NF-E2)-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in autophagy-induced hepatocellular carcinoma

Autophagy, an evolutionarily conserved catabolic process, is the most important pathogenic events in the development and progression of liver diseases. Deregulation of Nrf2 is proposed to play a key pathogenic role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Under certain pathophysiological conditions, such as oxidative stress, impaired autophagy is accompanied by the Nrf2 activation that leads to the detrimental effects favoring the proliferation and survival of HCC. Elucidating its role and potential mechanism is essential for understanding tumorigenesis and the development of effective clinical application. Nrf2 is participated in HCC proliferation, migration and invasion through autophagy pathways. These includes the negatively regulated-Nrf2 by Keap1 that participates in HCC tumorigenesis via regulating ROS production, in which autophagy may contribute to oxidant metabolic reprogramming of HCC cells. Post-transcriptional modifications, such as phosphorylation and ubiquitination of Nrf2, can be positively or negatively induced by multiple transcription factors. Nrf2 exhibits chemoresistance through its binding sites in the promoter region of the target genes. Nrf2 may be a valuable potential biomarker and therapeutic strategy for diagnostics, prognostics and treatment of HCC.

Targeting cell signaling in allergic asthma

Asthma is chronic inflammation of the airways characterized by airway hyper-responsiveness, wheezing, cough, and dyspnea. Asthma affects >350 million people worldwide. The Th2 immune response is a major contributor to the pathophysiology of asthma. Targeted therapy modulating cell signaling pathways can be a powerful strategy to design new drugs to treat asthma. The potential molecular pathways that can be targeted include IL-4-IL-13-JAK-STAT-MAP kinases, adiponectin-iNOS-NF-κB, PGD2-CRTH2, IFNs-RIG, Wnt/β-catenin-FAM13A, FOXC1-miR-PI3K/AKT, JNK-Gal-7, Nrf2-ROS, Foxp3-RORγt, CysLTR, AMP, Fas-FasL, PTHrP/PPARγ, PAI-1, FcɛRI-LAT-SLP-76, Tim-3-Gal-9, TLRs-MyD88, PAR2, and Keap1/Nrf2/ARE. Therapeutic drugs can be designed to target one or more of these pathways to treat asthma.

Cerebrovascular and Neurological Disorders: Protective Role of NRF2

Cellular defense mechanisms, intracellular signaling, and physiological functions are regulated by electrophiles and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Recent works strongly considered imbalanced ROS and electrophile overabundance as the leading cause of cellular and tissue damage, whereas oxidative stress (OS) plays a crucial role for the onset and progression of major cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative pathologies. These include Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington’s disease (HD), stroke, and aging. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (NRF2) is the major modulator of the xenobiotic-activated receptor (XAR) and is accountable for activating the antioxidative response elements (ARE)-pathway modulating the detoxification and antioxidative responses of the cells. NRF2 activity, however, is also implicated in carcinogenesis protection, stem cells regulation, anti-inflammation, anti-aging, and so forth. Herein, we briefly describe the NRF2–ARE pathway and provide a review analysis of its functioning and system integration as well as its role in major CNS disorders. We also discuss NRF2-based therapeutic approaches for the treatment of neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular disorders.

Autoinhibition Mechanism of the Ubiquitin-Conjugating Enzyme UBE2S by Autoubiquitination

Ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes (E2s) govern key aspects of ubiquitin signaling. Emerging evidence suggests that the activities of E2s are modulated by posttranslational modifications; the structural underpinnings, however, are largely unclear. Here, we unravel the structural basis and mechanistic consequences of a conserved autoubiquitination event near the catalytic center of E2s, using the human anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome-associated UBE2S as a model system. Crystal structures we determined of the catalytic ubiquitin carrier protein domain combined with MD simulations reveal that the active-site region is malleable, which permits an adjacent ubiquitin acceptor site, Lys⁺⁵, to be ubiquitinated intramolecularly. We demonstrate by NMR that the Lys⁺⁵-linked ubiquitin inhibits UBE2S by obstructing its reloading with ubiquitin. By immunoprecipitation, quantitative mass spectrometry, and siRNA-and-rescue experiments we show that Lys⁺⁵ ubiquitination of UBE2S decreases during mitotic exit but does not influence proteasomal turnover of this E2. These findings suggest that UBE2S activity underlies inherent regulation during the cell cycle.

Clinically-approved CFTR modulators rescue Nrf2 dysfunction in cystic fibrosis airway epithelia

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a multi-organ progressive genetic disease caused by loss of functional cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) channel. Previously, we identified a significant dysfunction in CF cells and model mice of the transcription factor nuclear-factor-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2), a major regulator of redox balance and inflammatory signaling. Here we report that approved F508del CFTR correctors VX809/VX661 recover diminished Nrf2 function and colocalization with CFTR in CF human primary bronchial epithelia by proximity ligation assay, immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence, concordant with CFTR correction. F508del CFTR correctors induced Nrf2 nuclear translocation, Nrf2-dependent luciferase activity, and transcriptional activation of target genes. Rescue of Nrf2 function by VX809/VX661 was dependent on significant correction of F508del and was blocked by inhibition of corrected channel function, or high-level shRNA knockdown of CFTR or F508del-CFTR. Mechanistically, F508del-CFTR modulation restored Nrf2 phosphorylation and its interaction with the coactivator CBP. Our findings demonstrate that sufficient modulation of F508del CFTR function corrects Nrf2 dysfunction in CF.

Regulation of Nrf2 by X Box-Binding Protein 1 in Retinal Pigment Epithelium

Normal function of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of retinal photoreceptors and the visual process. Sustained oxidative damage of the RPE due to aging and other risk factors contributes to the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The transcription factor NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a central regulator of cellular antioxidant and detoxification responses. Enhancing Nrf2 function protects RPE cells from oxidation-related apoptosis and cell death. Previously, we demonstrated that Nrf2 activation can be induced by endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress; however, the mechanisms are not fully understood. In the present study, we examined the role of X box-binding protein 1 (XBP1), an ER stress-inducible transcription factor, in regulation of Nrf2 in the RPE. We found that RPE-specific XBP1 conditional knockout (cKO) mice exhibit a significant reduction in Nrf2 mRNA and protein levels, along with decreased expression of major Nrf2 target genes, in the RPE/choroid complex. Using primary RPE cells isolated from XBP1 cKO mice and human ARPE-19 cell line, we confirmed that loss of XBP1 gene or pharmacological inhibition of XBP1 splicing drastically reduces Nrf2 levels in the RPE. Conversely, overexpression of spliced XBP1 results in a modest but significant increase in cytosolic and nuclear Nrf2 protein levels without affecting the transcription of Nrf2 gene. Moreover, induction of ER stress by tunicamycin and thapsigargin markedly increases Nrf2 expression, which is abolished in cells pretreated with XBP1 splicing inhibitors 4μ8C and quinotrierixin. Mechanistic studies indicate that quinotrierixin reduces Nrf2 expression likely through inhibition of protein translation. Finally, we demonstrate that overexpression of Nrf2 protected RPE cells against oxidative injury but appeared to be insufficient to rescue from XBP1 deficiency-induced cell death. Taken together, our results indicate that XBP1 modulates Nrf2 activity in RPE cells and that XBP1 deficiency contributes to oxidative injury of the RPE.

Dysregulation of Nrf2 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Role in Cancer Progression and Chemoresistance

The liver executes versatile functions and is the chief organ for metabolism of toxicants/xenobiotics. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver malignancy and the third foremost cause of cancer death worldwide. Oxidative stress is a key factor related with the development and progression of HCC. Nuclear factor erythroid 2 [NF-E2]-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a cytosolic transcription factor, which regulates redox homeostasis by activating the expression of an array of antioxidant response element-dependent genes. Nrf2 displays conflicting roles in normal, healthy liver and HCC; in the former, Nrf2 offers beneficial effects, whereas in the latter it causes detrimental effects favouring the proliferation and survival of HCC. Sustained Nrf2 activation has been observed in HCC and facilitates its progression and aggressiveness. This review summarizes the role and mechanism(s) of action of Nrf2 dysregulation in HCC and therapeutic options that can be employed to modulate this transcription factor.

NRF2 and NF-қB interplay in cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative disorders: Molecular mechanisms and possible therapeutic approaches

Electrophiles and reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a major role in modulating cellular defense mechanisms as well as physiological functions, and intracellular signaling. However, excessive ROS generation (endogenous and exogenous) can create a state of redox imbalance leading to cellular and tissue damage (Ma and He, 2012) [1]. A growing body of research data strongly suggests that imbalanced ROS and electrophile overproduction are among the major prodromal factors in the onset and progression of several cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), stroke, Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and aging (Ma and He, 2012; Ramsey et al., 2017; Salminen et al., 2012; Sandberg et al., 2014; Sarlette et al., 2008; Tanji et al., 2013) [1-6]. Cells offset oxidative stress by the action of housekeeping antioxidative enzymes (such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase) as well direct and indirect antioxidants (Dinkova-Kostova and Talalay, 2010) [7]. The DNA sequence responsible for modulating the antioxidative and cytoprotective responses of the cells has been identified as the antioxidant response element (ARE), while the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (NRF2) is the major regulator of the xenobiotic-activated receptor (XAR) responsible for activating the ARE-pathway, thus defined as the NRF2-ARE system (Ma and He, 2012) [1]. In addition, the interplay between the NRF2-ARE system and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-ĸB, a protein complex that controls cytokine production and cell survival), has been further investigated in relation to neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory disorders. On these premises, we provide a review analysis of current understanding of the NRF2-NF-ĸB interplay, their specific role in major CNS disorders, and consequent therapeutic implication for the treatment of neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular diseases.

Stabilization of p27Kip1/CDKN1B by UBCH7/UBE2L3 catalyzed ubiquitinylation: a new paradigm in cell-cycle control

Ubiquitinylation drives many cellular processes by targeting proteins for proteasomal degradation. Ubiquitin conjugation enzymes promote ubiquitinylation and, thus, degradation of protein substrates. Ubiquitinylation is a well-known posttranslational modification controlling cell-cycle transitions and levels or/and activation levels of ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes change during development and cell cycle. Progression through the cell cycle is tightly controlled by CDK inhibitors such as p27^Kip1. Here we show that, in contrast to promoting its degradation, the ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme UBCH7/UBE2L3 specifically protects p27^Kip1 from degradation. Overexpression of UBCH7/UBE2L3 stabilizes p27^Kip1 and delays the G₁-to-S transition, while depletion of UBCH7/UBE2L3 increases turnover of p27^Kip1. Levels of p21^Cip1/Waf1, p57^Kip2, cyclin A and cyclin E, all of which are also involved in regulating the G₁/S transition are not affected by UBCH7/UBE2L3 depletion. The effect of UBCH7/UBE2L3 on p27^Kip1 is not due to alteration of the levels of any of the ubiquitin ligases known to ubiquitinylate p27^Kip1. Rather, UBCH7/UBE2L3 catalyzes the conjugation of heterotypic ubiquitin chains on p27^Kip1 that are proteolytically incompetent. These data reveal new controls and concepts about the ubiquitin proteasome system in which a ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme selectively inhibits and may even protect, rather than promote degradation of a crucial cell-cycle regulatory molecule.-Whitcomb, E. A., Tsai, Y. C., Basappa, J., Liu, K., Le Feuvre, A. K., Weissman, A. M., Taylor, A. Stabilization of p27^Kip1/CDKN1B by UBCH7/UBE2L3 catalyzed ubiquitinylation: a new paradigm in cell-cycle control.

Loss of the ubiquitin conjugating enzyme UBE2E3 induces cellular senescence

Cellular senescence plays essential roles in tissue homeostasis as well as a host of diseases ranging from cancers to age-related neurodegeneration. Various molecular pathways can induce senescence and these different pathways dictate the phenotypic and metabolic changes that accompany the transition to, and maintenance of, the senescence state. Here, we describe a novel senescence phenotype induced by depletion of UBE2E3, a highly-conserved, metazoan ubiquitin conjugating enzyme. Cells depleted of UBE2E3 become senescent in the absence of overt DNA damage and have a distinct senescence-associated secretory phenotype, increased mitochondrial and lysosomal mass, an increased sensitivity to mitochondrial and lysosomal poisons, and an increased basal autophagic flux. This senescence phenotype can be partially suppressed by co-depletion of either p53 or its cognate target gene, p21CIP1/WAF1, or by co-depleting the tumor suppressor p16INK4a. Together, these data describe a direct link of a ubiquitin conjugating enzyme to cellular senescence and further underscore the consequences of disrupting the integration between the ubiquitin proteolysis system and the autophagy machinery.

Sulforaphane is a Nrf2-independent inhibitor of mitochondrial fission

The KEAP1-Nrf2-ARE antioxidant system is a principal means by which cells respond to oxidative and xenobiotic stresses. Sulforaphane (SFN), an electrophilic isothiocyanate derived from cruciferous vegetables, activates the KEAP1-Nrf2-ARE pathway and has become a molecule-of-interest in the treatment of diseases in which chronic oxidative stress plays a major etiological role. We demonstrate here that the mitochondria of cultured, human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE-1) cells treated with SFN undergo hyperfusion that is independent of both Nrf2 and its cytoplasmic inhibitor KEAP1. Mitochondrial fusion has been reported to be cytoprotective by inhibiting pore formation in mitochondria during apoptosis, and consistent with this, we show Nrf2-independent, cytoprotection of SFN-treated cells exposed to the apoptosis-inducer, staurosporine. Mechanistically, SFN mitigates the recruitment and/or retention of the soluble fission factor Drp1 to mitochondria and to peroxisomes but does not affect overall Drp1 abundance. These data demonstrate that the beneficial properties of SFN extend beyond activation of the KEAP1-Nrf2-ARE system and warrant further interrogation given the current use of this agent in multiple clinical trials.

Nrf2 signaling pathway: Pivotal roles in inflammation

Inflammation is the most common feature of many chronic diseases and complications, while playing critical roles in carcinogenesis. Several studies have demonstrated that Nrf2 contributes to the anti-inflammatory process by orchestrating the recruitment of inflammatory cells and regulating gene expression through the antioxidant response element (ARE). The Keap1 (Kelch-like ECH-associated protein)/Nrf2 (NF-E2 p45-related factor 2)/ARE signaling pathway mainly regulates anti-inflammatory gene expression and inhibits the progression of inflammation. Therefore, the identification of new Nrf2-dependent anti-inflammatory phytochemicals has become a key point in drug discovery. In this review, we discuss the members of the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE signal pathway and its downstream genes, the effects of this pathway on animal models of inflammatory diseases, and crosstalk with the NF-κB pathway. In addition we also discuss about the regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome by Nrf2. Besides this, we summarize the current scenario of the development of anti-inflammatory phytochemicals and others that mediate the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway.

E2 enzymes: more than just middle men

Ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes (E2s) are the central players in the trio of enzymes responsible for the attachment of ubiquitin (Ub) to cellular proteins. Humans have ∼40 E2s that are involved in the transfer of Ub or Ub-like (Ubl) proteins (e.g., SUMO and NEDD8). Although the majority of E2s are only twice the size of Ub, this remarkable family of enzymes performs a variety of functional roles. In this review, we summarize common functional and structural features that define unifying themes among E2s and highlight emerging concepts in the mechanism and regulation of E2s.

Expression profiling of the ubiquitin conjugating enzyme UbcM2 in murine brain reveals modest age-dependent decreases in specific neurons

BACKGROUND

UbcM2 is a ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme with roles in the turnover of damaged and misfolded proteins, cell cycle progression, development, and regulation of the antioxidant transcription factor, Nrf2. Recent screens have identified binding partners of the enzyme that are associated with various neurodegenerative diseases, and our previous studies have shown that UbcM2 is enriched in retina and brain.

RESULTS

In the current study, we characterized UbcM2 protein expression in various structures and cell types in the murine brain. Immunofluorescence analysis of paraffin-embedded brain sections revealed that UbcM2 is ubiquitously expressed throughout the brain, is enriched in hindbrain and cortex, and is robustly expressed in neurons. In contrast, the enzyme is undetectable in most astrocytes and microglia. As dysfunction of the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) has been linked to many age-related neurological diseases, we compared UbcM2 expression levels in young versus aged wild-type mice and found a global decrease in expression in aged brains, with reductions of 10 % or greater in five substructures (cerebellar granule cell layer, primary motor cortex, olfactory nucleus, superior colliculus, and secondary visual cortex).

CONCLUSIONS

These studies represent the first protein expression profiling of a ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme in the brain and support the notion that deficits in protein degradation and proteostasis associated with neurodegenerative diseases may be, in part, attributable to age-dependent reductions in the enzymatic machinery of the UPS.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress and Nrf2 signaling in cardiovascular diseases

Various cellular perturbations implicated in the pathophysiology of human diseases, including cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and liver diseases, can alter endoplasmic reticulum (ER) function and lead to the abnormal accumulation of misfolded proteins. This situation configures the so-called ER stress, a form of intracellular stress that occurs whenever the protein-folding capacity of the ER is overwhelmed. Reduction in blood flow as a result of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease causes tissue hypoxia, a condition that induces protein misfolding and ER stress. In addition, ER stress has an important role in cardiac hypertrophy mainly in the transition to heart failure (HF). ER transmembrane sensors detect the accumulation of unfolded proteins and activate transcriptional and translational pathways that deal with unfolded and misfolded proteins, known as the unfolded protein response (UPR). Once the UPR fails to control the level of unfolded and misfolded proteins in the ER, ER-initiated apoptotic signaling is induced. Furthermore, there is considerable evidence that implicates the presence of oxidative stress and subsequent related cellular damage as an initial cause of injury to the myocardium after ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) and in cardiac hypertrophy secondary to pressure overload. Oxidative stress is counterbalanced by complex antioxidant defense systems regulated by a series of multiple pathways, including the UPR, to ensure that the response to oxidants is adequate. Nuclear factor-E2-related factor (Nrf2) is an emerging regulator of cellular resistance to oxidants; Nrf2 is strictly interrelated with the UPR sensor called pancreatic endoplasmic reticulum kinase. A series of studies has shown that interventions against ER stress and Nrf2 activation reduce myocardial infarct size and cardiac hypertrophy in the transition to HF in animals exposed to I/R injury and pressure overload, respectively. Finally, recent data showed that Nrf2/antioxidant-response element pathway activation may be of importance also in ischemic preconditioning, a phenomenon in which the heart is subjected to one or more episodes of nonlethal myocardial I/R before the sustained coronary artery occlusion.

The ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme UBE2E3 and its import receptor importin-11 regulate the localization and activity of the antioxidant transcription factor NRF2

The transcription factor NF-E2 p45-related factor (Nrf2) induces the expression of cytoprotective proteins that maintain and restore redox homeostasis. Nrf2 levels and activity are tightly regulated, and three subcellular populations of the transcription factor have been identified. During homeostasis, the majority of Nrf2 is degraded in the cytoplasm by ubiquitin (Ub)-mediated degradation. A second population is transcriptionally active in the nucleus, and a third population localizes to the outer mitochondrial membrane. Still unresolved are the mechanisms and factors that govern Nrf2 distribution between its subcellular locales. We show here that the Ub-conjugating enzyme UBE2E3 and its nuclear import receptor importin 11 (Imp-11) regulate Nrf2 distribution and activity. Knockdown of UBE2E3 reduces nuclear Nrf2, decreases Nrf2 target gene expression, and relocalizes the transcription factor to a perinuclear cluster of mitochondria. In a complementary manner, Imp-11 functions to restrict KEAP1, the major suppressor of Nrf2, from prematurely extracting the transcription factor off of a subset of target gene promoters. These findings identify a novel pathway of Nrf2 modulation during homeostasis and support a model in which UBE2E3 and Imp-11 promote Nrf2 transcriptional activity by restricting the transcription factor from partitioning to the mitochondria and limiting the repressive activity of nuclear KEAP1.

Redox regulation of transcription factors in plant stress acclimation and development

SIGNIFICANCE

The redox regulatory signaling network of the plant cell controls and co-regulates transcriptional activities, thereby enabling adjustment of metabolism and development in response to environmental cues, including abiotic stress.

RECENT ADVANCES

Our rapidly expanding knowledge on redox regulation of plant transcription is driven by methodological advancements such as sensitive redox proteomics and in silico predictions in combination with classical targeted genetic and molecular approaches, often in Arabidopsis thaliana. Thus, transcription factors (TFs) are both direct and indirect targets of redox-dependent activity modulation. Redox control of TF activity involves conformational switching, nucleo-cytosolic partitioning, assembly with coregulators, metal-S-cluster regulation, redox control of upstream signaling elements, and proteolysis.

CRITICAL ISSUES

While the significance of redox regulation of transcription is well established for prokaryotes and non-plant eukaryotes, the momentousness of redox-dependent control of transcription in plants still receives insufficient awareness and, therefore, is discussed in detail in this review.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Improved proteome sensitivity will enable characterization of low abundant proteins and to simultaneously address the various post-translational modifications such as nitrosylation, hydroxylation, and glutathionylation. Combining such approaches by gradually increasing biotic and abiotic stress strength is expected to result in a systematic understanding of redox regulation. In the end, only the combination of in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro results will provide conclusive pictures on the rather complex mechanism of redox regulation of transcription.

Molecular and chemical regulation of the Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway

Extracellular and intracellular oxidants or electrophiles are key contributors to the damages in cellular macromolecules, such as DNA, proteins and lipids. Nrf2 is a master transcription factor that modulates a cellular antioxidant response program and plays an important role in the protection against oxidants and electrophiles. Keap1 is a regulator of Nrf2 by serving as a substrate adaptor for Cullin3-dependent E3 ubiquitin ligase. While Nrf2 activation is a feasible strategy for treatment of age-related diseases, aberrant Nrf2 activation also confers a selective growth advantage of tumor cells during chemotherapy or radiotherapy. In the present review, we provide an overview of the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE system, the domain organization of Nrf2 and Keap1, and the regulatory mechanisms of Nrf2 proteolysis by Keap1. We also discuss how Nrf2 prevents tumor promotion, hampers the sensitivity of selected tumors against chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and reprograms the metabolism to facilitate the tumor proliferation. Finally, we illustrate the current status in the development of Nrf2 chemical activators and inhibitors for the use of potential chemopreventive agents and chemotherapeutic adjuvants, respectively.

The ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme, UbcM2, is restricted to monoubiquitylation by a two-fold mechanism that involves backside residues of E2 and Lys48 of ubiquitin

Proteins can be modified on lysines (K) with a single ubiquitin (Ub) or with polymers of Ub (polyUb). These different configurations and their respective topologies are primary factors for determining whether substrates are targeted to the proteasome for degradation or directed to nonproteolytic outcomes. We report here on the intrinsic ubiquitylation properties of UbcM2 (UBE2E3/UbcH9), a conserved Ub-conjugating enzyme linked to cell proliferation, development, and the cellular antioxidant defense system. Using a fully recombinant ubiquitylation assay, we show that UbcM2 is severely limited in its ability to synthesize polyUb chains with wild-type Ub. Restriction to monoubiquitylation is governed by multiple residues on the backside of the enzyme, far removed from its active site, and by lysine 48 of Ub. UbcM2 with mutated backside residues can synthesize K63-linked polyUb chains and to a lesser extent K6- and K48-linked chains. Additionally, we identified a single residue on the backside of the enzyme that promotes monoubiquitylation. Together, these findings reveal that a combination of noncatalytic residues within the Ubc catalytic core domain of UbcM2 as well as a lysine(s) within Ub can relegate a Ub-conjugating enzyme to monoubiquitylate its cognate targets despite having the latent capacity to construct polyUb chains. The two-fold mechanism for restricting activity to monoubiquitylation provides added insurance that UbcM2 will not build polyUb chains on its substrates, even under conditions of high local Ub concentrations.

Modulation of NRF2 signaling pathway by nuclear receptors: implications for cancer

Nuclear factor-erythroid 2 p45-related factor 2 (NRF2, also known as Nfe2l2) plays a critical role in regulating cellular defense against electrophilic and oxidative stress by activating the expression of an array of antioxidant response element-dependent genes. On one hand, NRF2 activators have been used in clinical trials for cancer prevention and the treatment of diseases associated with oxidative stress; on the other hand, constitutive activation of NRF2 in many types of tumors contributes to the survival and growth of cancer cells, as well as resistance to anticancer therapy. In this review, we provide an overview of the NRF2 signaling pathway and discuss its role in carcinogenesis. We also introduce the inhibition of NRF2 by nuclear receptors. Further, we address the biological significance of regulation of the NRF2 signaling pathway by nuclear receptors in health and disease. Finally, we discuss the possible impact of NRF2 inhibition by nuclear receptors on cancer therapy.

Nrf2: bane or blessing in cancer?

BACKGROUND

The Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)-nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-antioxidant response element pathway serves a major function in endogenous cytoprotection in normal cells. Nrf2 is a transcription factor that mainly regulates the expression of a wide array of genes that produce the antioxidants and other proteins responsible for the detoxification of xenobiotics and reactive oxygen species. Nrf2 mediates the chemoprevention of cancer in normal cells.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Growing body of evidence suggests that Nrf2 is not only involved in the chemoprevention of normal cells but also promotes the growth of cancer cells. However, the mechanism underlying the function of Nrf2 in oncogenesis and tumor protection in cancer cells remains unclear and thus requires further study.

CONCLUSION

This review aims to rationalize the existing functions of Nrf2 in chemoprevention and tumorigenesis, as well as the somatic mutations of Nrf2 and Keap1 in cancer and Nrf2 cross talk with miRNAs. This review also discusses the future challenges in Nrf2 research.

A disulphide bond in the E2 enzyme Pex4p modulates ubiquitin-conjugating activity

The ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme Pex4p together with its binding partner, the peroxisomal membrane protein Pex22p, co-ordinates cysteine-dependent ubiquitination of the cycling receptor protein Pex5p. Unusually for an ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme, Saccharomyces cerevisiae Pex4p can form a disulphide bond between the cysteine residues at positions 105 and 146. We found that mutating the disulphide forming cysteine residues in Pex4p to serines does not disturb the secondary structure of the protein but does reduce the in vitro activity of Pex4p. From the crystal structure of Pex4p C105S, C146S in complex with the soluble domain of Pex22p, we observe a narrowing of the active site cleft, caused by loss of the disulphide bond. This modification of the active site microenvironment is likely to restrict access of ubiquitin to the active site cysteine, modulating Pex4p activity. Finally, based on sequence and structural alignments, we have identified other ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes that may contain disulphide bonds.

The emerging role of the Nrf2-Keap1 signaling pathway in cancer

The Nrf2–Keap1 signaling pathway is key to cell defense and survival pathways. Nrf2 can protect cells and tissues from toxicants and carcinogens, and several Nrf2 activators are currently being tested as chemopreventive compounds. However, several studies also suggest that Nrf2 may protect cancer cells from chemotherapeutic agents and promote cancer cell proliferation. Here, Jaramillo and Zhang provide an overview of the Nrf2–Keap1 signaling pathway in cancer. They discuss the dual role of Nrf2 in cancer and the challenges in developing Nrf2-based drugs for chemoprevention and therapy.

The Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2 [NF-E2]-related factor 2 [Nrf2])–Keap1 (Kelch-like erythroid cell-derived protein with CNC homology [ECH]-associated protein 1) signaling pathway is one of the most important cell defense and survival pathways. Nrf2 can protect cells and tissues from a variety of toxicants and carcinogens by increasing the expression of a number of cytoprotective genes. As a result, several Nrf2 activators are currently being tested as chemopreventive compounds in clinical trials. Just as Nrf2 protects normal cells, studies have shown that Nrf2 may also protect cancer cells from chemotherapeutic agents and facilitate cancer progression. Nrf2 is aberrantly accumulated in many types of cancer, and its expression is associated with a poor prognosis in patients. In addition, Nrf2 expression is induced during the course of drug resistance. Collectively, these studies suggest that Nrf2 contributes to both intrinsic and acquired chemoresistance. This discovery has opened up a broad spectrum of research geared toward a better understanding of the role of Nrf2 in cancer. This review provides an overview of (1) the Nrf2–Keap1 signaling pathway, (2) the dual role of Nrf2 in cancer, (3) the molecular basis of Nrf2 activation in cancer cells, and (4) the challenges in the development of Nrf2-based drugs for chemoprevention and chemotherapy.

Roles for the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway in protein quality control and signaling in the retina: implications in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration

The accumulation of damaged or postsynthetically modified proteins and dysregulation of inflammatory responses and angiogenesis in the retina/RPE are thought be etiologically related to formation of drusen and choroidal neovascularization (CNV), hallmarks of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The ubiquitin-proteasome pathway (UPP) plays crucial roles in protein quality control, cell cycle control and signal transduction. Selective degradation of aberrant proteins by the UPP is essential for timely removal of potentially cytotoxic damaged or otherwise abnormal proteins. Proper function of the UPP is thought to be required for cellular function. In contrast, age--or stress induced--impairment the UPP or insufficient UPP capacity may contribute to the accumulation of abnormal proteins, cytotoxicity in the retina, and AMD. Crucial roles for the UPP in eye development, regulation of signal transduction, and antioxidant responses are also established. Insufficient UPP capacity in retina and RPE can result in dysregulation of signal transduction, abnormal inflammatory responses and CNV. There are also interactions between the UPP and lysosomal proteolytic pathways (LPPs). Means that modulate the proteolytic capacity are making their way into new generation of pharmacotherapies for delaying age-related diseases and may augment the benefits of adequate nutrition, with regard to diminishing the burden of AMD.

Expression patterns of ubiquitin conjugating enzyme UbcM2 during mouse embryonic development

Ubiquitin conjugating enzyme UbcM2 (Ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes from Mice, the number reveals the identification order) has been implicated in many critical processes, such like growth-inhibiting, mediating cell proliferation and regulation of some transcription factor, but the expression profile during mouse embryo development remains unclear. Hereby, during mid-later embryonic stage, the expression patterns of UbcM2 were examined using in situ hybridization and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The signals were significantly intense in central nervous system and skeletal system, weak in tongue, heart, lung, liver, and kidney. In the central nervous system, UbcM2 was principally expressed in thalamus, external germinal layer of cerebellum (EGL), mitral cell layer of olfactory bulb, hippocampus, marginal zone and ventricular zone of cerebral cortex, and spinal cord. In the skeletal system, UbcM2 was primarily expressed in proliferating cartilage. Furthermore, qRT-PCR analysis displayed that the expression of UbcM2 was ubiquitous at E15.5, most prominent in brain, weaker in lung liver and kidney, accompanied by the lowest level in tongue and heart. During brain development, the expression level of UbcM2 first ascended and then decreased from E12.5 to E18.5, the peak of which sustained starting at E14.5 until E16.5. Together, these results suggest that UbcM2 may play potential roles in the development of mouse diverse tissues and organs, particularly in the development of brain and skeleton.