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Zhao X, Xu C, Ding Y, Yan N. The multifaceted functions of NFE2L1 in metabolism and associated disorders. Life Sci 2024; 352:122906. [PMID: 38992575 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 1 (NFE2L1, also known as Nrf1) is a crucial member of the CNC-bZIP subfamily of transcription factors expressed ubiquitously throughout our body. Recent findings have revealed its association with various metabolic processes, encompassing glucose, lipid, and protein metabolism. In the realm of glucose metabolism, NFE2L1 exerts regulatory control by modulating pancreatic β cells and insulin production. It also influences glucose metabolism in liver and the insulin sensitivity of adipose tissue. Regarding lipid metabolism, NFE2L1 governs this process by influencing the expression of specific adipogenic and lipolysis genes in both liver and adipose tissue. Additionally, NFE2L1 regulates specific lipids, such as cholesterol. These involvements underlie various manifestations of NFE2L1 deficiency such as adipocyte hypertrophy, inflammation, and steatohepatitis. In the realm of protein metabolism, NFE2L1 serves as a major transcription factor regulating the 26S proteasome genes expression, which dysfunction has been related with multiple diseases including neurodegenerative diseases, cancers, autoimmune conditions, etc. In this comprehensive review, we summarize the diverse roles that NFE2L1 plays in glucose, lipid, and protein metabolism, as well as its impact on diseases related to these metabolic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuye Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China; Queen Mary College, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, China; School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Chang Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China; Queen Mary College, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, China; School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yi Ding
- Department of Spine Surgery, Ganzhou People's Hospital (The Affiliated Ganzhou Hospital of Nanchang University), Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province 341000, China
| | - Nianlong Yan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China.
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Yang J, Yang J, Luo Y, Ran D, Xia R, Zheng Q, Yao P, Wang H. Nrf1 Reduces COX-2 Expression and Maintains Cellular Homeostasis After Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion By Targeting IL-6/TNF-α Protein Production. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2024; 19:41. [PMID: 39103507 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-024-10136-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation has been considered involved in the process of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI). Transcription factors play a crucial role in regulating gene transcription and the expressions of specific proteins during the progression of various neurological diseases. Evidence showed that transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 1 (NFE2L1, also known as Nrf1) possessed strong biological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. However, its role and potential molecular mechanisms in CIRI remain unclear. In our study, we observed a significant elevation of Nrf1 in the cerebral cortex following cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in rats. The Nrf1 downregulation markedly raised COX-2, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 protein levels during middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion in rats, which led to worsened neurological deficits, higher cerebral infarct volume, and intensified cortical histopathological damage. In subsequent in vitro studies, the expression of Nrf1 protein increased following oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion treatment on neurons. Subsequently, Nrf1 knockdown resulted in a significant upregulation of inflammatory factors, leading to a substantial increase in the cell death rate. Through analyzing the alterations in the expression of inflammatory factors under diverse interventions, it is indicated that Nrf1 possesses the capacity to discern variations in inflammatory factors via specific structural domains. Our findings demonstrate the translocation of the Nrf1 protein from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, thereby modulating the protein expression of IL-6/TNF-α and subsequently reducing the expression of multiple inflammatory factors. This study signifies, for the first time, that during cerebral ischemia-reperfusion, Nrf1 translocases to the nucleus to regulate the protein expression of IL-6/TNF-α, consequently suppressing COX-2 expression and governing cellular inflammation, ultimately upholding cellular homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yang
- Key Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
- Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Junqing Yang
- Key Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ying Luo
- Key Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Dongzhi Ran
- Key Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Rongsong Xia
- Key Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
- Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qixue Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Peishuang Yao
- Key Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Hong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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Lukomska A, Frost MP, Theune WC, Xing J, Gupta M, Trakhtenberg EF. Nfe2l3 promotes neuroprotection and long-distance axon regeneration after injury in vivo. Exp Neurol 2024; 375:114741. [PMID: 38395216 PMCID: PMC10981571 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Nuclear factor erythroid 2 like (Nfe2l) gene family members 1-3 mediate cellular response to oxidative stress, including in the central nervous system (CNS). However, neuronal functions of Nfe2l3 are unknown. Here, we comparatively evaluated expression of Nfe2l1, Nfe2l2, and Nfe2l3 in singe cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq)-profiled cortical and retinal ganglion cell (RGC) CNS projection neurons, investigated whether Nfe2l3 regulates neuroprotection and axon regeneration after CNS injury in vivo, and characterized a gene network associated with Nfe2l3 in neurons. We showed that, Nfe2l3 expression transiently peaks in developing immature cortical and RGC projection neurons, but is nearly abolished in adult neurons and is not upregulated after injury. Furthermore, within the retina, Nfe2l3 is enriched in RGCs, primarily neonatally, and not upregulated in injured RGCs, whereas Nfe2l1 and Nfe2l2 are expressed robustly in other retinal cell types as well and are upregulated in injured RGCs. We also found that, expressing Nfe2l3 in injured RGCs through localized intralocular viral vector delivery promotes neuroprotection and long-distance axon regeneration after optic nerve injury in vivo. Moreover, Nfe2l3 provided a similar extent of neuroprotection and axon regeneration as viral vector-targeting of Pten and Klf9, which are prominent regulators of neuroprotection and long-distance axon regeneration. Finally, we bioinformatically characterized a gene network associated with Nfe2l3 in neurons, which predicted the association of Nfe2l3 with established mechanisms of neuroprotection and axon regeneration. Thus, Nfe2l3 is a novel neuroprotection and axon regeneration-promoting factor with a therapeutic potential for treating CNS injury and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Lukomska
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Ave., Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Matthew P Frost
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Ave., Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - William C Theune
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Ave., Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Jian Xing
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Ave., Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Mahit Gupta
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Ave., Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Ephraim F Trakhtenberg
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Ave., Farmington, CT 06030, USA.
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Łuczyńska K, Zhang Z, Pietras T, Zhang Y, Taniguchi H. NFE2L1/Nrf1 serves as a potential therapeutical target for neurodegenerative diseases. Redox Biol 2024; 69:103003. [PMID: 38150994 PMCID: PMC10788251 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.103003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The failure of the proper protein turnover in the nervous system is mainly linked to a variety of neurodegenerative disorders. Therefore, a better understanding of key protein degradation through the ubiquitin-proteasome system is critical for effective prevention and treatment of those disorders. The proteasome expression is tightly regulated by a CNC (cap'n'collar) family of transcription factors, amongst which the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-like bZIP factor 1 (NFE2L1, also known as Nrf1, with its long isoform TCF11 and short isoform LCR-F1) has been identified as an indispensable regulator of the transcriptional expression of the ubiquitin-proteasome system. However, much less is known about how the pivotal role of NFE2L1/Nrf1, as compared to its homologous NFE2L2 (also called Nrf2), is translated to its physiological and pathophysiological functions in the nervous system insomuch as to yield its proper cytoprotective effects against neurodegenerative diseases. The potential of NFE2L1 to fulfill its unique neuronal function to serve as a novel therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases is explored by evaluating the hitherto established preclinical and clinical studies of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. In this review, we have also showcased a group of currently available activators of NFE2L1, along with an additional putative requirement of this CNC-bZIP factor for healthy longevity based on the experimental evidence obtained from its orthologous SKN1-A in Caenorhabditis elegans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamila Łuczyńska
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzebiec, 05-552, Poland; The Second Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology in Warsaw, 02-957, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Zhengwen Zhang
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AX, England, United Kingdom
| | - Tadeusz Pietras
- The Second Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology in Warsaw, 02-957, Warsaw, Poland; Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lodz, 90-153, Łódź, Poland
| | - Yiguo Zhang
- Chongqing University Jiangjin Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, No. 725 Jiangzhou Avenue, Dingshan Street, Jiangjin District, Chongqing, 402260, China; The Laboratory of Cell Biochemistry and Topogenetic Regulation, College of Bioengineering & Faculty of Medical Sciences, Chongqing University, No. 174 Shazheng Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400044, China.
| | - Hiroaki Taniguchi
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzebiec, 05-552, Poland.
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Liu X, Xu C, Xiao W, Yan N. Unravelling the role of NFE2L1 in stress responses and related diseases. Redox Biol 2023; 65:102819. [PMID: 37473701 PMCID: PMC10404558 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The nuclear factor erythroid 2 (NF-E2)-related factor 1 (NFE2L1, also known as Nrf1) is a highly conserved transcription factor that belongs to the CNC-bZIP subfamily. Its significance lies in its control over redox balance, proteasome activity, and organ integrity. Stress responses encompass a series of compensatory adaptations utilized by cells and organisms to cope with extracellular or intracellular stress initiated by stressful stimuli. Recently, extensive evidence has demonstrated that NFE2L1 plays a crucial role in cellular stress adaptation by 1) responding to oxidative stress through the induction of antioxidative responses, and 2) addressing proteotoxic stress or endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress by regulating the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), unfolded protein response (UPR), and ER-associated degradation (ERAD). It is worth noting that NFE2L1 serves as a core factor in proteotoxic stress adaptation, which has been extensively studied in cancer and neurodegeneration associated with enhanced proteasomal stress. In these contexts, utilization of NFE2L1 inhibitors to attenuate proteasome "bounce-back" response holds tremendous potential for enhancing the efficacy of proteasome inhibitors. Additionally, abnormal stress adaptations of NFE2L1 and disturbances in redox and protein homeostasis contribute to the pathophysiological complications of cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory diseases, and autoimmune diseases. Therefore, a comprehensive exploration of the molecular basis of NFE2L1 and NFE2L1-mediated diseases related to stress responses would not only facilitate the identification of novel diagnostic and prognostic indicators but also enable the identification of specific therapeutic targets for NFE2L1-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingzhu Liu
- Queen Mary College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330031, China; School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Chang Xu
- Queen Mary College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330031, China; School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Wanglong Xiao
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Nianlong Yan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China.
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Wang Y, Snell A, Dyka FM, Colvin ER, Ildefonso C, Ash JD, Lobanova ES. Overexpression of Nfe2l1 increases proteasome activity and delays vision loss in a preclinical model of human blindness. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadd5479. [PMID: 37450596 PMCID: PMC10348684 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.add5479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Proteasomes are the central proteolytic machines that are critical for breaking down most of the damaged and abnormal proteins in human cells. Although universally applicable drugs are not yet available, the stimulation of proteasomal activity is being analyzed as a proof-of-principle strategy to increase cellular resistance to a broad range of proteotoxic stressors. These approaches have included the stimulation of proteasomes through the overexpression of individual proteasome subunits, phosphorylation, or conformational changes induced by small molecules or peptides. In contrast to these approaches, we evaluated a transcription-driven increase in the total proteasome pool to enhance the proteolytic capacity of degenerating retinal neurons. We show that overexpression of nuclear factor erythroid-2-like 1 (Nfe2l1) transcription factor stimulated proteasome biogenesis and activity, improved the clearance of the ubiquitin-proteasomal reporter, and delayed photoreceptor neuron loss in a preclinical mouse model of human blindness caused by misfolded proteins. The findings highlight Nfe2l1 as an emerging therapeutic target to treat neurodegenerative diseases linked to protein misfolding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixiao Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Aaron Snell
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Frank M. Dyka
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Elizabeth R. Colvin
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Cristhian Ildefonso
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - John D. Ash
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Ekaterina S. Lobanova
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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Kaplow IM, Lawler AJ, Schäffer DE, Srinivasan C, Sestili HH, Wirthlin ME, Phan BN, Prasad K, Brown AR, Zhang X, Foley K, Genereux DP, Karlsson EK, Lindblad-Toh K, Meyer WK, Pfenning AR. Relating enhancer genetic variation across mammals to complex phenotypes using machine learning. Science 2023; 380:eabm7993. [PMID: 37104615 PMCID: PMC10322212 DOI: 10.1126/science.abm7993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Protein-coding differences between species often fail to explain phenotypic diversity, suggesting the involvement of genomic elements that regulate gene expression such as enhancers. Identifying associations between enhancers and phenotypes is challenging because enhancer activity can be tissue-dependent and functionally conserved despite low sequence conservation. We developed the Tissue-Aware Conservation Inference Toolkit (TACIT) to associate candidate enhancers with species' phenotypes using predictions from machine learning models trained on specific tissues. Applying TACIT to associate motor cortex and parvalbumin-positive interneuron enhancers with neurological phenotypes revealed dozens of enhancer-phenotype associations, including brain size-associated enhancers that interact with genes implicated in microcephaly or macrocephaly. TACIT provides a foundation for identifying enhancers associated with the evolution of any convergently evolved phenotype in any large group of species with aligned genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene M. Kaplow
- Department of Computational Biology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Neuroscience Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Alyssa J. Lawler
- Neuroscience Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Biology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Daniel E. Schäffer
- Department of Computational Biology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Chaitanya Srinivasan
- Department of Computational Biology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Heather H. Sestili
- Department of Computational Biology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Morgan E. Wirthlin
- Department of Computational Biology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Neuroscience Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - BaDoi N. Phan
- Department of Computational Biology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Neuroscience Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kavya Prasad
- Department of Computational Biology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ashley R. Brown
- Department of Computational Biology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Xiaomeng Zhang
- Department of Computational Biology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kathleen Foley
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, USA
| | - Diane P. Genereux
- Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | | | - Elinor K. Karlsson
- Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Kerstin Lindblad-Toh
- Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Wynn K. Meyer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, USA
| | - Andreas R. Pfenning
- Department of Computational Biology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Neuroscience Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Biology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Activation of the membrane-bound Nrf1 transcription factor by USP19, a ubiquitin-specific protease C-terminally anchored in the endoplasmic reticulum. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2022; 1869:119299. [PMID: 35613680 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2022.119299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The membrane-bound transcription factor Nrf1 (encoded by Nfe2l1) is activated by sensing glucose deprivation, cholesterol abundance, proteasomal inhibition and oxidative stress and then mediates distinct signaling responses to maintain cellular homeostasis. Herein, we found that Nrf1 stability and transactivity are both enhanced by USP19, a ubiquitin-specific protease tail-anchored in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) through its C-terminal transmembrane domain. Further experiments revealed that USP19 directly interacts with Nrf1 in proximity to the ER and topologically acts as a deubiquitinating enzyme to remove ubiquitin moieties from this protein, which allow it to circumvent potential proteasomal degradation. This USP19-mediated effect takes place only after Nrf1 is retro-translocated by p97 out of the ER membrane to dislocate the cytoplasmic side. Conversely, knockout of USP19 causes significant decreases in the abundance of Nrf1 and the entrance of its active isoform into the nucleus, which result in the downregulation of its target proteasomal subunits and a modest reduction in USP19-/--derived tumor growth in xenograft mice when compared with wild-type controls. Altogether, these results demonstrate that USP19 serves as a novel mechanistic modulator of Nrf1, but not Nrf2, thereby enabling Nrf1 to be rescued from the putative ubiquitin-directed ER-associated degradation pathway. In turn, our additional experimental evidence has revealed that transcriptional expression of endogenous USP19 and its promoter-driven reporter genes is differentially regulated by Nrf2, as well by Nrf1, at distinct layers within a complex hierarchical regulatory network.
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Ren S, Bian Y, Hou Y, Wang Z, Zuo Z, Liu Z, Teng Y, Fu J, Wang H, Xu Y, Zhang Q, Chen Y, Pi J. The roles of NFE2L1 in adipocytes: Structural and mechanistic insight from cell and mouse models. Redox Biol 2021; 44:102015. [PMID: 34058615 PMCID: PMC8170497 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2021.102015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Adipocytes play pivotal roles in maintaining energy homeostasis by storing lipids in adipose tissue (AT), regulating the flux of lipids between AT and the circulation in response to the body's energy requirements and secreting a variety of hormones, cytokines and other factors. Proper AT development and function ensure overall metabolic health. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 1 (NFE2L1, also known as NRF1) belongs to the CNC-bZIP family and plays critical roles in regulating a wide range of essential cellular functions and varies stress responses in many cells and tissues. Human and rodent Nfe2l1 genes can be transcribed into multiple splice variants resulting in various protein isoforms, which may be further modified by a variety of post-translational mechanisms. While the long isoforms of NFE2L1 have been established as master regulators of cellular adaptive antioxidant response and proteasome homeostasis, the exact tissue distribution and physiological function of NFE2L1 isoforms, the short isoforms in particular, are still under intense investigation. With regard to key roles of NFE2L1 in adipocytes, emerging data indicates that deficiency of Nfe2l1 results in aberrant adipogenesis and impaired AT functioning. Intriguingly, a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the human NFE2L1 gene is associated with obesity. In this review, we summarize the most significant findings regarding the specific roles of the multiple isoforms of NFE2L1 in AT formation and function. We highlight that NFE2L1 plays a fundamental regulatory role in the expression of multiple genes that are crucial to AT metabolism and function and thus could be an important target to improve disease states involving aberrant adipose plasticity and lipid homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suping Ren
- Program of Environmental Toxicology, School of Public Health, China Medical University. No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China
| | - Yiying Bian
- Program of Environmental Toxicology, School of Public Health, China Medical University. No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China
| | - Yongyong Hou
- Program of Environmental Toxicology, School of Public Health, China Medical University. No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China
| | - Zhendi Wang
- Program of Environmental Toxicology, School of Public Health, China Medical University. No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China
| | - Zhuo Zuo
- Program of Environmental Toxicology, School of Public Health, China Medical University. No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China
| | - Zhiyuan Liu
- Program of Environmental Toxicology, School of Public Health, China Medical University. No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China
| | - Yue Teng
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Forth Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jingqi Fu
- Program of Environmental Toxicology, School of Public Health, China Medical University. No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China
| | - Huihui Wang
- Group of Chronic Disease and Environmental Genomics, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China
| | - Yuanyuan Xu
- Group of Chronic Disease and Environmental Genomics, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Yanyan Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, No. 155 Nanjing North Road, Heping Area, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China.
| | - Jingbo Pi
- Program of Environmental Toxicology, School of Public Health, China Medical University. No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China.
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Hamazaki J, Murata S. ER-Resident Transcription Factor Nrf1 Regulates Proteasome Expression and Beyond. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21103683. [PMID: 32456207 PMCID: PMC7279161 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein folding is a substantively error prone process, especially when it occurs in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The highly exquisite machinery in the ER controls secretory protein folding, recognizes aberrant folding states, and retrotranslocates permanently misfolded proteins from the ER back to the cytosol; these misfolded proteins are then degraded by the ubiquitin–proteasome system termed as the ER-associated degradation (ERAD). The 26S proteasome is a multisubunit protease complex that recognizes and degrades ubiquitinated proteins in an ATP-dependent manner. The complex structure of the 26S proteasome requires exquisite regulation at the transcription, translation, and molecular assembly levels. Nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-related factor 1 (Nrf1; NFE2L1), an ER-resident transcription factor, has recently been shown to be responsible for the coordinated expression of all the proteasome subunit genes upon proteasome impairment in mammalian cells. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the transcriptional regulation of the proteasome, as well as recent findings concerning the regulation of Nrf1 transcription activity in ER homeostasis and metabolic processes.
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Teeli AS, Leszczyński P, Krishnaswamy N, Ogawa H, Tsuchiya M, Śmiech M, Skarzynski D, Taniguchi H. Possible Mechanisms for Maintenance and Regression of Corpus Luteum Through the Ubiquitin-Proteasome and Autophagy System Regulated by Transcriptional Factors. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:748. [PMID: 31803139 PMCID: PMC6877548 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The corpus luteum (CL) is an important tissue of the female reproductive process which is established through ovulation of the mature follicle. Pulsatile release of prostaglandin F2α from the uterus leads to the regression of luteal cells and restarts the estrous cycle in most non-primate species. The rapid functional regression of the CL, which coincides with decrease of progesterone production, is followed by its structural regression. Although we now have a better understanding of how the CL is triggered to undergo programmed cell death, the precise mechanisms governing CL protein degradation in a very short period of luteolysis remains unknown. In this context, activation of ubiquitin-proteasome pathway (UPP), unfolded protein response (UPR) and autophagy are potential subcellular mechanisms involved. The ubiquitin-proteasome pathway (UPP) maintains tissue homeostasis in the face of both internal and external stressors. The UPP also controls physiological processes in many gonadal cells. Emerging evidence suggests that UPP dysfunction is involved in male and female reproductive tract dysfunction. Autophagy is activated when cells are exposed to different types of stressors such as hypoxia, starvation, and oxidative stress. While emerging evidence points to an important role for the UPP and autophagy in the CL, the key underlying transcriptional mechanisms have not been well-documented. In this review, we propose how CL regression may be governed by the ubiquitin-proteasome and autophagy pathways. We will further consider potential transcription factors which may regulate these events in the CL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aamir S. Teeli
- Department of Experimental Embryology, The Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzebiec, Poland
| | - Paweł Leszczyński
- Department of Experimental Embryology, The Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzebiec, Poland
| | | | - Hidesato Ogawa
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Megumi Tsuchiya
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Magdalena Śmiech
- Department of Experimental Embryology, The Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzebiec, Poland
| | - Dariusz Skarzynski
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Hiroaki Taniguchi
- Department of Experimental Embryology, The Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzebiec, Poland
- *Correspondence: Hiroaki Taniguchi
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Yuan J, Zhang S, Zhang Y. Nrf1 is paved as a new strategic avenue to prevent and treat cancer, neurodegenerative and other diseases. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2018; 360:273-283. [PMID: 30267745 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2018.09.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Revised: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Transcription factor Nrf1 acts as a unique vital player in maintaining cellular homeostasis and organ integrity during normal development and growth throughout the life process. Loss-of-function of Nrf1 results in severe oxidative stress, genomic instability, embryonic lethality, developmental disorders, and adult diseases such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, hepatocellular carcinoma, diabetes and neurogenerative diseases. Thereby, Nrf1 is critically implicated in a variety of important physio-pathological processes by governing robust target genes in order to reinforce antioxidant, detoxification and cytoprotective responses to cellular stress. Notably, there also exists a proteasomal 'bounce-back' response mediated by Nrf1, insofar as to enhance the drug resistance to proteasomal inhibitors in clinical treatment of neuroblastoma, multiple myeloma and triple-negative breast cancers. Recently, several drugs or chemicals are found or re-found in new ways to block the proteasomal compensatory process through inhibiting the multistep processing of Nrf1. Conversely, activation of Nrf1 induced by some drugs or chemicals leads to cytoprotection from cell apoptosis and promotes cell viability. This is the start of constructive and meaningful studies, approaching to explore the mechanism(s) by which Nrf1 is activated to protect neurons and other cells from malignant and degenerative diseases. Overall, Nrf1 has appealed attentions as a new attractive therapeutic strategy for human diseases including cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianxin Yuan
- Laboratory of Cell Biochemistry and Topogenetic Regulation, College of Bioengineering and Faculty of Sciences, Chongqing University, No. 174 Shazheng Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Shuwei Zhang
- Laboratory of Cell Biochemistry and Topogenetic Regulation, College of Bioengineering and Faculty of Sciences, Chongqing University, No. 174 Shazheng Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Yiguo Zhang
- Laboratory of Cell Biochemistry and Topogenetic Regulation, College of Bioengineering and Faculty of Sciences, Chongqing University, No. 174 Shazheng Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing 400044, China.
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Lee D, Ryu KY. Effect of cellular ubiquitin levels on the regulation of oxidative stress response and proteasome function via Nrf1. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017; 485:234-240. [PMID: 28237703 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.02.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The polyubiquitin genes Ubb and Ubc are upregulated under oxidative stress induced by arsenite [As(III)]. However, the role of ubiquitin (Ub) under As(III) exposure is not known in detail. In a previous study, we showed that the reduced viability observed in Ubc-/- mouse embryonic fibroblasts under As(III) exposure was not due to dysregulation of the Nrf2-Keap1 pathway, which prompted us to investigate another NFE2 family protein, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 1 (Nrf1). In this study, we found that Ub deficiency due to Ubc knockdown in N2a cells reduced cell viability and proteasome activity under As(III) exposure. Furthermore, mRNA levels of the proteasome subunit Psma1 were also reduced. In addition, Ub deficiency led to the nuclear accumulation of the p65 isoform of Nrf1 under As(III) exposure. Interestingly, the overexpression of p65-Nrf1 recapitulated the phenotypes of Ub-deficient N2a cells under As(III) exposure. On the other hand, Nrf1 knockdown suppressed the death of Ub-deficient N2a cells upon exposure to As(III). Therefore, the levels of p65-Nrf1 may play an important role in the maintenance of cell viability under oxidative stress induced by As(III).
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghee Lee
- Department of Life Science, University of Seoul, Seoul 02504, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwon-Yul Ryu
- Department of Life Science, University of Seoul, Seoul 02504, Republic of Korea.
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