TAK1 Regulates the Nrf2 Antioxidant System Through Modulating p62/SQSTM1

Selective Autophagy and Xenophagy in Infection and Disease

Autophagy, a cellular homeostatic process, which ensures cellular survival under various stress conditions, has catapulted to the forefront of innate defense mechanisms during intracellular infections. The ability of autophagy to tag and target intracellular pathogens toward lysosomal degradation is central to this key defense function. However, studies involving the role and regulation of autophagy during intracellular infections largely tend to ignore the housekeeping function of autophagy. A growing number of evidences now suggest that the housekeeping function of autophagy, rather than the direct pathogen degradation function, may play a decisive role to determine the outcome of infection and immunological balance. We discuss herein the studies that establish the homeostatic and anti-inflammatory function of autophagy, as well as role of bacterial effectors in modulating and coopting these functions. Given that the core autophagy machinery remains largely the same across diverse cargos, how selectivity plays out during intracellular infection remains intriguing. We explore here, the contrasting role of autophagy adaptors being both selective as well as pleotropic in functions and discuss whether E3 ligases could bring in the specificity to cargo selectivity.

p62/SQSTM1 - steering the cell through health and disease

SQSTM1 (also known as p62) is a multifunctional stress-inducible scaffold protein involved in diverse cellular processes. Its functions are tightly regulated through an extensive pattern of post-translational modifications, and include the isolation of cargos degraded by autophagy, induction of the antioxidant response by the Keap1-Nrf2 system, as well as the regulation of endosomal trafficking, apoptosis and inflammation. Accordingly, malfunction of SQSTM1 is associated with a wide range of diseases, including bone and muscle disorders, neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases, and multiple forms of cancer. In this Review, we summarize current knowledge regarding regulation, post-translational modifications and functions of SQSTM1, as well as how they are dysregulated in various pathogenic contexts.

Activation of Nrf2 signaling by natural products-can it alleviate diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) has reached pandemic proportions and effective prevention strategies are wanted. Its onset is accompanied by cellular distress, the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor boosting cytoprotective responses, and many phytochemicals activate Nrf2 signaling. Thus, Nrf2 activation by natural products could presumably alleviate DM. We summarize function, regulation and exogenous activation of Nrf2, as well as diabetes-linked and Nrf2-susceptible forms of cellular stress. The reported amelioration of insulin resistance, β-cell dysfunction and diabetic complications by activated Nrf2 as well as the status quo of Nrf2 in precision medicine for DM are reviewed.

Nrf2, a novel molecular target to reduce type 1 diabetes associated secondary complications: The basic considerations

Oxidative stress and inflammation are the mediators of diabetes and related secondary complications. Oxidative stress arises because of the excessive production of reactive oxygen species and diminished antioxidant production due to impaired Nrf2 activation, the master regulator of endogenous antioxidant. It has been established from various animal models that the transcription factor Nrf2 provides cytoprotection, ameliorates oxidative stress, inflammation and delays the progression of diabetes and its associated complications. Whereas, deletion of the transcription factor Nrf2 amplifies tissue level pathogenic alterations. In addition, Nrf2 also regulates the expression of numerous cellular defensive genes and protects against oxidative stress-mediated injuries in diabetes. The present review provides an overview on the role of Nrf2 in type 1 diabetes and explores if it could be a potential target for the treatment of diabetes and related complications. Further, the rationality of different agent's intervention has been discussed to mitigate organ damages induced by diabetes.

Inhibitory effect of blue honeysuckle extract on high-fat-diet-induced fatty liver in mice

Blue honeysuckle is rich in polyphenols, and recently receiving attention because of its potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading cause of chronic liver disease that develops hepatic inflammation and metabolic syndrome. The present study aims to study the effect of blue honeysuckle extract (BHE) on fat deposition and hepatic lipid peroxidation in a high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced mouse model. Mice were fed a normal diet (ND) or a HFD containing 0.5% or 1% of BHE or not for 45 d. Liver sections were stained by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Serum lipids were measured by a clinical analyzer. Insulin was examined by ELISA, and hepatic proteins were detected by Western blotting. Dietary supplementation of BHE dose-dependently suppressed HFD-induced obesity and hepatic fat deposition. Moreover, BHE improved glucose metabolism by increasing insulin sensitivity and attenuated oxidative stress potentially by up-regulating nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2)-mediated pathway.

Canonical and non-canonical mechanisms of Nrf2 activation

Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor that regulates the expression of genes involved in the metabolism, immune response, cellular proliferation, and other processes; however, the attention has been focused on the study of its ability to induce the expression of proteins involved in the antioxidant defense. Nrf2 is mainly regulated by Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), an adapter substrate of Cullin 3 (Cul3) ubiquitin E3 ligase complex. Keap1 represses Nrf2 activity in the cytoplasm by its sequestering, ubiquitination and proteosomal degradation. Nrf2 activation, through the canonical mechanism, is carried out by electrophilic compounds and oxidative stress where some cysteine residues in Keap1 are oxidized, resulting in a decrease in Nrf2 ubiquitination and an increase in its nuclear translocation and activation. In the nucleus, Nrf2 induces a variety of genes involved in the antioxidant defense. Recently a new mechanism of Nrf2 activation has been described, called the non-canonical pathway, where proteins such as p62, p21, dipeptidyl peptidase III (DPP3), wilms tumor gene on X chromosome (WTX) and others are able to disrupt the Nrf2-Keap1 complex, by direct interaction with Keap1 decreasing Nrf2 ubiquitination and increasing its nuclear translocation and activation. In this review, the regulatory mechanisms involved in both canonical and non-canonical Nrf2 activation are discussed.

Reactive Oxygen Species-Mediated Autophagy Defines the Fate of Cancer Stem Cells

Significance: A fraction of tumorigenic cells, also known as tumor initiating or cancer stem cells (CSCs), is thought to drive tumor growth, metastasis, and chemoresistance. However, little is known regarding mechanisms that convey relevant pathways contributing to their self-renewal, proliferation, and differentiation abilities. Recent Advances: Recent works on CSCs provide evidence on the role of redox disruption and regulation of autophagic flux. This has been linked to increased DNA repair capacity and chemoresistance. Critical Issues: The current review summarizes the most recent studies assessing the role of redox homeostasis, autophagy, and chemoresistance in CSCs, including some novel findings on microRNAs and their role in horizontal transfer within cancer cell populations. Future Directions: Rational anticancer therapy and prevention should rely on the fact that cancer is a redox disease with the CSCs being the apex modulated by redox-mediated autophagy. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 28, 1066-1079.

P62/SQSTM1 is a novel leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) substrate that enhances neuronal toxicity

Autosomal-dominant, missense mutations in the leucine-rich repeat protein kinase 2 (LRRK2) gene are the most common genetic predisposition to develop Parkinson's disease (PD). LRRK2 kinase activity is increased in several pathogenic mutations (N1437H, R1441C/G/H, Y1699C, G2019S), implicating hyperphosphorylation of a substrate in the pathogenesis of the disease. Identification of the downstream targets of LRRK2 is a crucial endeavor in the field to understand LRRK2 pathway dysfunction in the disease. We have identified the signaling adapter protein p62/SQSTM1 as a novel endogenous interacting partner and a substrate of LRRK2. Using mass spectrometry and phospho-specific antibodies, we found that LRRK2 phosphorylates p62 on Thr138 in vitro and in cells. We found that the pathogenic LRRK2 PD-associated mutations (N1437H, R1441C/G/H, Y1699C, G2019S) increase phosphorylation of p62 similar to previously reported substrate Rab proteins. Notably, we found that the pathogenic I2020T mutation and the risk factor mutation G2385R displayed decreased phosphorylation of p62. p62 phosphorylation by LRRK2 is blocked by treatment with selective LRRK2 inhibitors in cells. We also found that the amino-terminus of LRRK2 is crucial for optimal phosphorylation of Rab7L1 and p62 in cells. LRRK2 phosphorylation of Thr138 is dependent on a p62 functional ubiquitin-binding domain at its carboxy-terminus. Co-expression of p62 with LRRK2 G2019S increases the neurotoxicity of this mutation in a manner dependent on Thr138. p62 is an additional novel substrate of LRRK2 that regulates its toxic biology, reveals novel signaling nodes and can be used as a pharmacodynamic marker for LRRK2 kinase activity.

Quantifying autophagy using novel LC3B and p62 TR-FRET assays

Autophagy is a cellular mechanism that can generate energy for cells or clear misfolded or aggregated proteins, and upregulating this process has been proposed as a therapeutic approach for neurodegenerative diseases. Here we describe a novel set of LC3B-II and p62 time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer (TR-FRET) assays that can detect changes in autophagy in the absence of exogenous labels. Lipidated LC3 is a marker of autophagosomes, while p62 is a substrate of autophagy. These assays can be employed in high-throughput screens to identify novel autophagy upregulators, and can measure autophagy changes in cultured cells or tissues after genetic or pharmacological interventions. We also demonstrate that different cells exhibit varying autophagic responses to pharmacological interventions. Overall, it is clear that a battery of readouts is required to make conclusions about changes in autophagy.

The Role of Free Radicals in Autophagy Regulation: Implications for Ageing

Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS, resp.) have been traditionally perceived solely as detrimental, leading to oxidative damage of biological macromolecules and organelles, cellular demise, and ageing. However, recent data suggest that ROS/RNS also plays an integral role in intracellular signalling and redox homeostasis (redoxtasis), which are necessary for the maintenance of cellular functions. There is a complex relationship between cellular ROS/RNS content and autophagy, which represents one of the major quality control systems in the cell. In this review, we focus on redox signalling and autophagy regulation with a special interest on ageing-associated changes. In the last section, we describe the role of autophagy and redox signalling in the context of Alzheimer's disease as an example of a prevalent age-related disorder.

Distinct roles of TRAF6 and TAK1 in the regulation of adipocyte survival, thermogenesis program, and high-fat diet-induced obesity

Chronic low-grade inflammation, adipocyte hypertrophy, and glucose intolerance are common features of obesity and a risk factor for cancer. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) is an adaptor protein that also possesses a non-conventional E3 ubiquitin ligase activity. In response to receptor-mediated events, TRAF6 activates transforming growth factor-activated kinase 1 (TAK1), which leads to activation of the MAPK and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways. However, the roles of TRAF6 and TAK1 in the regulation of adipocyte function remain less understood. Here, we demonstrate that adipocyte-specific deletion of TAK1, but not TRAF6, in mice reduces the survival of adipocytes and abundance of white adipose tissue (WAT). Adipocyte-specific ablation of TAK1, but not TRAF6, increases the expression for markers of beige/brown fat in WAT. Deletion of TAK1 in WAT increases phosphorylation of AMPK, abundance of PGC-1α, non-canonical NF-κB signaling, markers of M2 macrophages, and diminishes phosphorylation of JNK and canonical NF-κB signaling. Levels of TRAF6 and enzymatic activity of TAK1 are increased in WAT of mice fed with high-fat diet (HFD). Our results demonstrate that ablation of TAK1 drastically reduces HFD-induced obesity and improves energy expenditure and glucose metabolism. In contrast, adipocyte-specific ablation of TRAF6 has a minimal effect on HFD-induced obesity. Collectively, our results suggest that even though TRAF6 is an upstream activator of TAK1 in many signaling cascades, inactivation of TAK1, but not TRAF6, regulates adipocyte survival, energy expenditure, and HFD-induced obesity in mice.

Chronic Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, Nrf2 Activation and Inflammation in the Hippocampus Accompany Heightened Systemic Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in an Animal Model of Gulf War Illness

Memory and mood dysfunction are the key symptoms of Gulf war illness (GWI), a lingering multi-symptom ailment afflicting >200,000 veterans who served in the Persian Gulf War-1. Research probing the source of the disease has demonstrated that concomitant exposures to anti-nerve gas agent pyridostigmine bromide (PB), pesticides, and war-related stress are among the chief causes of GWI. Indeed, exposures to GWI-related chemicals (GWIR-Cs) and mild stress in animal models cause memory and mood impairments alongside reduced neurogenesis and chronic low-level inflammation in the hippocampus. In the current study, we examined whether exposure to GWIR-Cs and stress causes chronic changes in the expression of genes related to increased oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation in the hippocampus. We also investigated whether GWI is linked with chronically increased activation of Nrf2 (a master regulator of antioxidant response) in the hippocampus, and inflammation and enhanced oxidative stress at the systemic level. Adult male rats were exposed daily to low-doses of PB and pesticides (DEET and permethrin), in combination with 5 min of restraint stress for 4 weeks. Analysis of the hippocampus performed 6 months after the exposure revealed increased expression of many genes related to oxidative stress response and/or antioxidant activity (Hmox1, Sepp1, and Srxn1), reactive oxygen species metabolism (Fmo2, Sod2, and Ucp2) and oxygen transport (Ift172 and Slc38a1). Furthermore, multiple genes relevant to mitochondrial respiration (Atp6a1, Cox6a1, Cox7a2L, Ndufs7, Ndufv1, Lhpp, Slc25a10, and Ucp1) and neuroinflammation (Nfkb1, Bcl6, Csf2, IL6, Mapk1, Mapk3, Ngf, N-pac, and Prkaca) were up-regulated, alongside 73–88% reduction in the expression of anti-inflammatory genes IL4 and IL10, and nuclear translocation and increased expression of Nrf2 protein. These hippocampal changes were associated with elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines (Tnfa, IL1b, IL1a, Tgfb, and Fgf2) and lipid peroxidation byproduct malondialdehyde in the serum, suggesting the presence of an incessant systemic inflammation and elevated oxidative stress. These results imply that chronic oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction in the hippocampus, and heightened systemic inflammation and oxidative stress likely underlie the persistent memory and mood dysfunction observed in GWI.

Keap1 knockdown in melanocytes induces cell proliferation and survival via HO-1-associated β-catenin signaling

BACKGROUND

Nrf2-Keap1 signaling pathway protects cells against photo-oxidative stress. Yet in recent works, its role in melanogenesis together with cell protection functions against oxidative stress has been gaining interest. However, its effect on melanogenesis still has contradictory results from different studies.

OBJECTIVE

The aims of our study were to investigate the effect of Keap1 silencing in melanocyte on melanogenesis and its associated mechanism.

METHODS

Primary human epidermal melanocytes and melan-a cell line were used for this experiment. RNA sequencing was done to identify genes involved in melanocyte biology using Keap1 knockdown through siRNA techniques. And melanogenesis and the expression of melanogenesis-associated molecules were evaluated in Keap1 silenced melanocyte to examine the effects of Keap1 on melanogenesis, melanocyte growth, and related pathways.

RESULTS

RNA-sequencing data revealed that Keap1 knockdown in primary human epidermal melanocytes (PHEMs) induced cell survival-related gene expression. Additionally, siRNA-mediated inhibition of Keap1 led to upregulation of MITF and melanogenesis-associated molecules along with Nrf2 activation in PHEMs. HO-1, a major gene that is upregulated in RNA-sequencing using Keap1-silenced PHEMs, protected melanocytes against H₂O₂-induced cell death and upregulated MITF and β-catenin expression. Further, increased expression of melanogenesis-associated molecules after Keap1 silencing was validated to occur through HO-1-associated β-catenin activation in a Keap1 and HO-1 double knockdown experiment.

CONCLUSION

This work suggests that Keap1 silencing in melanocytes induced melanogenesis and the expression of melanogenesis-associated molecules through HO-1-associated β-catenin activation. Keap1 downregulation in melanocytes is important for cell proliferation and survival.

Nuclear lamins and progerin are dispensable for antioxidant Nrf2 response to arsenic and cadmium

Lamins are important constituents of the nuclear inner membrane and provide a platform for transcription factors and chromatin. Progerin, a C-terminal truncated lamin A mutant, causes premature aging termed Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS). Oxidative stress appears to be involved in the pathogenesis of HGPS, although the mechanistic role of progerin remains elusive. Here we examined whether nuclear lamins are important for a cellular antioxidant mechanism, and whether progerin compromises it. We investigated the activation of nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) which regulates various antioxidant genes including heme oxygenase-1 (HMOX1), following exposure to sodium arsenite or cadmium chloride in lamin knockdown human cell lines and primary HGPS human fibroblasts. Knocking down lamin A/C, or B, or all nuclear lamins simultaneously in three human cell lines (HaCaT, SW480, and K562) did not impair arsenite- or cadmium-induced activation of Nrf2. Progerin-expressing human primary HGPS fibroblasts showed lower basal levels of HMOX1 and NQO1 expression; however, in response to arsenic stress both normal and HGPS primary fibroblasts showed Nrf2 nuclear accumulation along with upregulation and phosphorylation of p62/SQSTM1 at Ser351, downregulation of Keap1, and comparable expression of an array of downstream Nrf2-regulated antioxidant genes. We also observed new forms of cleaved lamin A, B1 and B2 induced by cadmium stress although their roles in the Nrf2 antioxidant system need further investigation. These results suggest that the nuclear lamins and progerin have marginal roles in the activation of the antioxidant Nrf2 response to arsenic and cadmium.

TAK1 regulates resident macrophages by protecting lysosomal integrity

Hematopoietic cell survival and death is critical for development of a functional immune system. Here, we report that a protein kinase, TAK1, is selectively required for resident macrophage integrity during embryogenesis. Hematopoietic lineage-specific deletion of Tak1 gene (Tak1^HKO) caused accumulation of cellular debris in the thymus in perinatal mice. Although no overt alteration in thymocytes and blood myeloid populations was observed in Tak1^HKO mice, we found that thymic and lung macrophages were diminished. In the in vitro setting, Tak1 deficiency caused profound disruption of lysosomes and killed bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) without any exogenous stressors. Inhibition of the lysosomal protease, cathepsin B, partially blocked Tak1-deficient BMDM death, suggesting that leakage of the lysosomal contents is in part the cause of cell death. To identify the trigger of this cell death, we examined involvement of TNF and Toll-like receptor pathways. Among them, we found that deletion of Tnfr1 partially rescued cell death. Finally, we show that Tnfr1 deletion partially restored thymic and lung macrophages in vivo. These results suggest that autocrine and potentially paracrine TNF kills Tak1-deficient macrophages during development. Our results reveal that TAK1 signaling maintains proper macrophage populations through protecting lysosomal integrity.

Modulation of proteostasis by transcription factor NRF2 and impact in neurodegenerative diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases are linked to the accumulation of specific protein aggregates, suggesting an intimate connection between injured brain and loss of proteostasis. Proteostasis refers to all the processes by which cells control the abundance and folding of the proteome thanks to a wide network that integrates the regulation of signaling pathways, gene expression and protein degradation systems. This review attempts to summarize the most relevant findings about the transcriptional modulation of proteostasis exerted by the transcription factor NRF2 (nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2). NRF2 has been classically considered as the master regulator of the antioxidant cell response, although it is currently emerging as a key component of the transduction machinery to maintain proteostasis. As we will discuss, NRF2 could be envisioned as a hub that compiles emergency signals derived from misfolded protein accumulation in order to build a coordinated and perdurable transcriptional response. This is achieved by functions of NRF2 related to the control of genes involved in the maintenance of the endoplasmic reticulum physiology, the proteasome and autophagy.

p62/SQSTM1-Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde that prevents oxidative stress but promotes liver cancer

p62/SQSTM1 is a multifunctional signaling hub and autophagy adaptor with many binding partners, which allow it to activate mTORC1-dependent nutrient sensing, NF-κB-mediated inflammatory responses, and the NRF2-activated antioxidant defense. p62 recognizes polyubiquitin chains via its C-terminal domain and binds to LC3 via its LIR motif, thereby promoting the autophagic degradation of ubiquitinated cargos. p62 accumulates in many human liver diseases, including nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), where it is a component of Mallory-Denk bodies and intracellular hyaline bodies. Chronic p62 elevation contributes to HCC development by preventing oncogene-induced senescence and death of cancer-initiating cells and enhancing their proliferation. In this review, we discuss p62-mediated signaling pathways and their roles in liver pathophysiology, especially NASH and HCC.