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Pant T, Uche N, Juric M, Zielonka J, Bai X. Regulation of immunomodulatory networks by Nrf2-activation in immune cells: Redox control and therapeutic potential in inflammatory diseases. Redox Biol 2024; 70:103077. [PMID: 38359749 PMCID: PMC10877431 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2024.103077] [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: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory diseases present a serious health challenge due to their widespread prevalence and the severe impact on patients' lives. In the quest to alleviate the burden of these diseases, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) has emerged as a pivotal player. As a transcription factor intimately involved in cellular defense against metabolic and oxidative stress, Nrf2's role in modulating the inflammatory responses of immune cells has garnered significant attention. Recent findings suggest that Nrf2's ability to alter the redox status of cells underlies its regulatory effects on immune responses. Our review delves into preclinical and clinical evidence that underscores the complex influence of Nrf2 activators on immune cell phenotypes, particularly in the inflammatory milieu. By offering a detailed analysis of Nrf2's role in different immune cell populations, we cast light on the potential of Nrf2 activators in shaping the immune response towards a more regulated state, mitigating the adverse effects of inflammation through modeling redox status of immune cells. Furthermore, we explore the innovative use of nanoencapsulation techniques that enhance the delivery and efficacy of Nrf2 activators, potentially advancing the treatment strategies for inflammatory ailments. We hope this review will stimulate the development and expansion of Nrf2-targeted treatments that could substantially improve outcomes for patients suffering from a broad range of inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarun Pant
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA.
| | - Nnamdi Uche
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Pharmacogenomics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Matea Juric
- Department of Biophysics, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Jacek Zielonka
- Department of Biophysics, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Xiaowen Bai
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology & Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA.
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2
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Liu S, Qin T, Zou F, Dong H, Yu L, Wang H, Zhang L. Pseudolaric acid B exerts an antifungal effect and targets SIRT1 to ameliorate inflammation by regulating Nrf2/NF-κB pathways in fungal keratitis. Inflammopharmacology 2024; 32:1133-1146. [PMID: 38150134 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-023-01408-5] [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: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Fungal keratitis (FK) is a vision-threatening infection. We aimed to explore the antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects of pseudolaric acid B (PAB) on FK and the underlying mechanisms involved. Network pharmacology utilized to acquire the potential target genes, and silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) was consistently downregulated in Gene Expression Omnibus dataset and clinical samples. Molecular docking analysis showed that PAB and SIRT1 had good binding activity. No toxicity was observed in vivo and in vitro with a PAB concentration below 0.3 μM. PAB exerted its antifungal activity by destroying the integrity of hyphae, and alleviated the severity of FK in rats by decreasing clinical scores, fungal burden and inhibiting inflammatory cell infiltration. PAB increased SIRT1 to regulate the crosstalk between nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), decreasing the levels of inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6; and pattern recognition receptors, C-type lectin domain containing 7A (Dectin-1), lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor 1 (LOX-1), toll like receptor (TLR)-2, and TLR4 both in vivo and in vitro. However, this anti-inflammatory effect of PAB was abolished by the SIRT1 inhibitor EX527. This study provides new evidence that PAB has antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects in FK and may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of FK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyi Liu
- Dalian Medical University, 9 Lvshun Road South, Dalian, 116044, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Third People's Hospital of Dalian, Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Tao Qin
- Dalian Medical University, 9 Lvshun Road South, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Fengkai Zou
- Dalian Medical University, 9 Lvshun Road South, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - He Dong
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Third People's Hospital of Dalian, Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Liang Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Third People's Hospital of Dalian, Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Hai Wang
- Department of Pathology, The Third People's Hospital of Dalian, Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Lijun Zhang
- Dalian Medical University, 9 Lvshun Road South, Dalian, 116044, China.
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Third People's Hospital of Dalian, Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
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3
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Xiang Y, Song X, Long D. Ferroptosis regulation through Nrf2 and implications for neurodegenerative diseases. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:579-615. [PMID: 38265475 PMCID: PMC10861688 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-023-03660-8] [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: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
This article provides an overview of the background knowledge of ferroptosis in the nervous system, as well as the key role of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in regulating ferroptosis. The article takes Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) as the starting point to explore the close association between Nrf2 and ferroptosis, which is of clear and significant importance for understanding the mechanism of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) based on oxidative stress (OS). Accumulating evidence links ferroptosis to the pathogenesis of NDs. As the disease progresses, damage to the antioxidant system, excessive OS, and altered Nrf2 expression levels, especially the inhibition of ferroptosis by lipid peroxidation inhibitors and adaptive enhancement of Nrf2 signaling, demonstrate the potential clinical significance of Nrf2 in detecting and identifying ferroptosis, as well as targeted therapy for neuronal loss and mitochondrial dysfunction. These findings provide new insights and possibilities for the treatment and prevention of NDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Xiang
- School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, People's Republic of China
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohua Song
- School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, People's Republic of China
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, People's Republic of China
| | - Dingxin Long
- School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, People's Republic of China.
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, People's Republic of China.
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4
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Hushpulian DM, Kaidery NA, Dutta D, Sharma SM, Gazaryan I, Thomas B. Emerging small molecule inhibitors of Bach1 as therapeutic agents: Rationale, recent advances, and future perspectives. Bioessays 2024; 46:e2300176. [PMID: 37919861 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202300176] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
The transcription factor Nrf2 is the master regulator of cellular stress response, facilitating the expression of cytoprotective genes, including those responsible for drug detoxification, immunomodulation, and iron metabolism. FDA-approved Nrf2 activators, Tecfidera and Skyclarys for patients with multiple sclerosis and Friedreich's ataxia, respectively, are non-specific alkylating agents exerting side effects. Nrf2 is under feedback regulation through its target gene, transcriptional repressor Bach1. Specifically, in Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases with Bach1 dysregulation, excessive Bach1 accumulation interferes with Nrf2 activation. Bach1 is a heme sensor protein, which, upon heme binding, is targeted for proteasomal degradation, relieving the repression of Nrf2 target genes. Ideally, a combination of Nrf2 stabilization and Bach1 inhibition is necessary to achieve the full therapeutic benefits of Nrf2 activation. Here, we discuss recent advances and future perspectives in developing small molecule inhibitors of Bach1, highlighting the significance of the Bach1/Nrf2 signaling pathway as a promising neurotherapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry M Hushpulian
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnologies, Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia
- A.N. Bach Institute of Biochemistry, Federal Research Center "Fundamentals of Biotechnology" of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Navneet Ammal Kaidery
- Darby Children's Research Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
- Departments of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Debashis Dutta
- Darby Children's Research Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
- Departments of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Sudarshana M Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Irina Gazaryan
- Department of Chemical Enzymology, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
- Department of Chemistry and Physical Sciences, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Pace University, Pleasantville, New York, USA
| | - Bobby Thomas
- Darby Children's Research Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
- Departments of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
- Department of Drug Discovery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
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Barreca M, Qin Y, Cadot MEH, Barraja P, Bach A. Advances in developing noncovalent small molecules targeting Keap1. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103800. [PMID: 37852355 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) is a drug target for diseases involving oxidative stress and inflammation. There are three covalent Keap1-binding drugs on the market, but noncovalent compounds that inhibit the interaction between Keap1 and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) represent an attractive alternative. Both compound types prevent degradation of Nrf2, leading to the expression of antioxidant and antiinflammatory proteins. However, their off-target profiles differ as do their exact pharmacodynamic effects. Here, we discuss the opportunities and challenges of targeting Keap1 with covalent versus noncovalent inhibitors. We then provide a comprehensive overview of current noncovalent Keap1-Nrf2 inhibitors, with a focus on their pharmacological effects, to examine the therapeutic potential for this compound class.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilia Barreca
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Yuting Qin
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marie Elodie Hélène Cadot
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Paola Barraja
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Anders Bach
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Wang Y, Tang B, Li H, Zheng J, Zhang C, Yang Z, Tan X, Luo P, Ma L, Wang Y, Long L, Chen Z, Xiao Z, Ma L, Zhou J, Wang Y, Shi C. A small-molecule inhibitor of Keap1-Nrf2 interaction attenuates sepsis by selectively augmenting the antibacterial defence of macrophages at infection sites. EBioMedicine 2023; 90:104480. [PMID: 36863256 PMCID: PMC9996215 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Macrophages at infection sites are considered as the promising therapeutic targets to prevent sepsis development. The Nrf2/Keap1 system acts as a critical modulator of the antibacterial activity of macrophages. Recently, Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction (PPI) inhibitors have emerged as safer and stronger Nrf2 activators; however, their therapeutic potential in sepsis remains unclear. Herein, we report a unique heptamethine dye, IR-61, as a Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitor that preferentially accumulates in macrophages at infection sites. METHODS A mouse model of acute lung bacterial infection was used to investigate the biodistribution of IR-61. SPR study and CESTA were used to detect the Keap1 binding behaviour of IR-61 in vitro and in cells. Established models of sepsis in mice were used to determine the therapeutic effect of IR-61. The relationship between Nrf2 levels and sepsis outcomes was preliminarily investigated using monocytes from human patients. FINDINGS Our data showed that IR-61 preferentially accumulated in macrophages at infection sites, enhanced bacterial clearance, and improved outcomes in mice with sepsis. Mechanistic studies indicated that IR-61 potentiated the antibacterial function of macrophages by activating Nrf2 via direct inhibition of the Keap1-Nrf2 interaction. Moreover, we observed that IR-61 enhanced the phagocytic ability of human macrophages, and the expression levels of Nrf2 in monocytes might be associated with the outcomes of sepsis patients. INTERPRETATIONS Our study demonstrates that the specific activation of Nrf2 in macrophages at infection sites is valuable for sepsis management. IR-61 may prove to be a Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitor for the precise treatment of sepsis. FUNDING This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Major program 82192884), the Intramural Research Project (Grants: 2018-JCJQ-ZQ-001 and 20QNPY018), and the Chongqing National Science Foundation (CSTB2022NSCQ-MSX1222).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yawei Wang
- Institute of Rocket Force Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China; Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610083, China
| | - Binlin Tang
- Institute of Rocket Force Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China; Oncology Department, General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610083, China
| | - Huijuan Li
- Institute of Rocket Force Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Jiancheng Zheng
- Institute of Rocket Force Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Can Zhang
- Institute of Rocket Force Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Zeyu Yang
- Institute of Rocket Force Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xu Tan
- Institute of Rocket Force Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Peng Luo
- Institute of Rocket Force Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Le Ma
- Institute of Rocket Force Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Institute of Rocket Force Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Lei Long
- Institute of Rocket Force Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Zelin Chen
- Institute of Rocket Force Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Zhenliang Xiao
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610083, China
| | - Lijie Ma
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610083, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610083, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Institute of Rocket Force Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Chunmeng Shi
- Institute of Rocket Force Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
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Shilovsky GA, Ashapkin VV. Transcription Factor Nrf2 and Mitochondria - Friends or Foes in the Regulation of Aging Rate. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2022; 87:1477-1486. [PMID: 36717441 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297922120057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
At the first sight, the transcription factor Nrf2 as a master regulator of cellular antioxidant systems, and mitochondria as the main source of reactive oxygen species (ROS), should play the opposite roles in determining the pace of aging. However, since the causes of aging cannot be confined to the oxidative stress, the role of Nrf2 role cannot be limited to the regulation of antioxidant systems, and moreover, the role of mitochondria is not confined to the ROS production. In this review, we discussed only one aspect of this problem, namely, the molecular mechanisms of interaction between Nrf2 and mitochondria that influence the rate of aging and the lifespan. Experimental data accumulated so far show that the Nrf2 activity positively affects both the mitochondrial dynamics and mitochondrial quality control. Nrf2 influences the mitochondrial function through various mechanisms, e.g., regulation of nuclear genome-encoded mitochondrial proteins and changes in the balance of ROS or other metabolites that affect the functioning of mitochondria. In turn, multiple regulatory proteins functionally associated with the mitochondria affect the Nrf2 activity and even form mutual regulatory loops with Nrf2. We believe that these loops enable the fine-tuning of the cellular redox balance and, possibly, of the cellular metabolism as a whole. It has been commonly accepted for a long time that all mitochondrial regulatory signals are mediated by the nuclear genome-encoded proteins, whereas the mitochondrial genome encodes only a few respiratory chain proteins and two ribosomal RNAs. Relatively recently, mtDNA-encoded signal peptides have been discovered. In this review, we discuss the data on their interactions with the nuclear regulatory systems, first of all, Nrf2, and their possible involvement in the regulation of the aging rate. The interactions between regulatory cascades that link the programs ensuring the maintenance of cellular homeostasis and cellular responses to the oxidative stress are a significant part of both aging and anti-aging programs. Therefore, understanding these interactions will be of great help in searching for the molecular targets to counteract aging-associated diseases and aging itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory A Shilovsky
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia. .,Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russia.,Institute for Information Transmission Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 127051, Russia
| | - Vasily V Ashapkin
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
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Wu S, Liao X, Zhu Z, Huang R, Chen M, Huang A, Zhang J, Wu Q, Wang J, Ding Y. Antioxidant and anti-inflammation effects of dietary phytochemicals: The Nrf2/NF-κB signalling pathway and upstream factors of Nrf2. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2022; 204:113429. [PMID: 36096269 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2022.113429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Oxidative stress (OS) is created by an imbalance between reactive oxygen species and antioxidant levels. OS promotes inflammation and is associated with many diseases, such as neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Nrf2 and NF-κB are critical in the cellular defence against OS and the regulators of inflammatory responses, respectively. Recent studies revealed that the Nrf2 signalling pathway interacts with the NF-κB signalling pathway in OS. More importantly, many natural compounds have long been recognized to ameliorate OS and inflammation via the Nrf2 and/or NF-κB signalling pathway. Thus, we briefly overview the potential crosstalk between Nrf2 and NF-κB and the upstream regulators of Nrf2 and review the literature on the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of dietary phytochemicals (DPs) that can activate these defence systems. The aim is to provide evidence for the development of DPs into functional food for the regulation of the Nrf2/NF-κB signalling pathway by upstream regulators of Nrf2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujian Wu
- Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Culture Collection and Application, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiomics and Precision Application, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou, 510070, China; Department of Food Science and Engineering, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, College of Science & Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Xiyu Liao
- Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Culture Collection and Application, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiomics and Precision Application, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou, 510070, China; Department of Food Science and Engineering, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, College of Science & Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Zhenjun Zhu
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, College of Science & Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Rui Huang
- Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Culture Collection and Application, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiomics and Precision Application, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou, 510070, China; Department of Food Science and Engineering, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, College of Science & Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Mengfei Chen
- Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Culture Collection and Application, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiomics and Precision Application, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou, 510070, China; Department of Food Science and Engineering, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, College of Science & Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Aohuan Huang
- Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Culture Collection and Application, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiomics and Precision Application, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou, 510070, China; Department of Food Science and Engineering, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, College of Science & Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Jumei Zhang
- Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Culture Collection and Application, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiomics and Precision Application, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou, 510070, China
| | - Qingping Wu
- Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Culture Collection and Application, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiomics and Precision Application, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou, 510070, China
| | - Juan Wang
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510070, China.
| | - Yu Ding
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, College of Science & Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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Mathis BJ, Kato H, Hiramatsu Y. Induction of Cardiac Pathology: Endogenous versus Exogenous Nrf2 Upregulation. Cells 2022; 11:cells11233855. [PMID: 36497112 PMCID: PMC9736027 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a master regulator of the endogenous antioxidant response to reactive oxygen species as well as a controller of Phase II detoxification in response to xenobiotics. This amenity to specific external manipulation exploits the binding affinity of Nrf2 for its constitutive repressor and degradation facilitator Kelch-like erythroid cell-derived protein with CNC homology-associated protein 1 (Keap1). Derived from both natural and synthesized origins, these compounds have been extensively tested without definitive beneficial results. Unfortunately, multiple terminated trials have shown a negative side to Nrf2 with regard to cardiac pathologies while animal-based studies have demonstrated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and heart failure after chronic Nrf2 upregulation. Putatively based on autophagic control of Nrf2 activity-modulating upstream factors, new evidence of miRNA involvement has added complexity to this mechanism. What follows is an extensive survey of Nrf2-regulating exogenous compounds that may promote cardiomyopathy, clinical trial evidence, and a comparison to exercise-induced factors that also upregulate Nrf2 while preventing cardiac pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan J. Mathis
- International Medical Center, University of Tsukuba Hospital, Tsukuba 305-8576, Ibaraki, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-29-853-3004
| | - Hideyuki Kato
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8575, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yuji Hiramatsu
- International Medical Center, University of Tsukuba Hospital, Tsukuba 305-8576, Ibaraki, Japan
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10
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Ahuja M, Kaidery NA, Dutta D, Attucks OC, Kazakov EH, Gazaryan I, Matsumoto M, Igarashi K, Sharma SM, Thomas B. Harnessing the Therapeutic Potential of the Nrf2/Bach1 Signaling Pathway in Parkinson's Disease. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11091780. [PMID: 36139853 PMCID: PMC9495572 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11091780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative movement disorder characterized by a progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Although a complex interplay of multiple environmental and genetic factors has been implicated, the etiology of neuronal death in PD remains unresolved. Various mechanisms of neuronal degeneration in PD have been proposed, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, α-synuclein proteostasis, disruption of calcium homeostasis, and other cell death pathways. While many drugs individually targeting these pathways have shown promise in preclinical PD models, this promise has not yet translated into neuroprotective therapies in human PD. This has consequently spurred efforts to identify alternative targets with multipronged therapeutic approaches. A promising therapeutic target that could modulate multiple etiological pathways involves drug-induced activation of a coordinated genetic program regulated by the transcription factor, nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Nrf2 regulates the transcription of over 250 genes, creating a multifaceted network that integrates cellular activities by expressing cytoprotective genes, promoting the resolution of inflammation, restoring redox and protein homeostasis, stimulating energy metabolism, and facilitating repair. However, FDA-approved electrophilic Nrf2 activators cause irreversible alkylation of cysteine residues in various cellular proteins resulting in side effects. We propose that the transcriptional repressor of BTB and CNC homology 1 (Bach1), which antagonizes Nrf2, could serve as a promising complementary target for the activation of both Nrf2-dependent and Nrf2-independent neuroprotective pathways. This review presents the current knowledge on the Nrf2/Bach1 signaling pathway, its role in various cellular processes, and the benefits of simultaneously inhibiting Bach1 and stabilizing Nrf2 using non-electrophilic small molecules as a novel therapeutic approach for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuj Ahuja
- Darby Children’s Research Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29406, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29406, USA
| | - Navneet Ammal Kaidery
- Darby Children’s Research Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29406, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29406, USA
| | - Debashis Dutta
- Darby Children’s Research Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29406, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29406, USA
| | | | | | - Irina Gazaryan
- Pace University, White Plains, NY 10601, USA
- Department of Chemical Enzymology, School of Chemistry, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, 111401 Moscow, Russia
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnologies, Higher School of Economics, 111401 Moscow, Russia
| | - Mitsuyo Matsumoto
- Department of Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8576, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Igarashi
- Department of Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8576, Japan
| | - Sudarshana M. Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29406, USA
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29406, USA
| | - Bobby Thomas
- Darby Children’s Research Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29406, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29406, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29406, USA
- Department of Drug Discovery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29406, USA
- Correspondence:
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11
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Normal and Pathological NRF2 Signalling in the Central Nervous System. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11081426. [PMID: 35892629 PMCID: PMC9394413 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11081426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) was originally described as a master regulator of antioxidant cellular response, but in the time since, numerous important biological functions linked to cell survival, cellular detoxification, metabolism, autophagy, proteostasis, inflammation, immunity, and differentiation have been attributed to this pleiotropic transcription factor that regulates hundreds of genes. After 40 years of in-depth research and key discoveries, NRF2 is now at the center of a vast regulatory network, revealing NRF2 signalling as increasingly complex. It is widely recognized that reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a key role in human physiological and pathological processes such as ageing, obesity, diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. The high oxygen consumption associated with high levels of free iron and oxidizable unsaturated lipids make the brain particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress. A good stability of NRF2 activity is thus crucial to maintain the redox balance and therefore brain homeostasis. In this review, we have gathered recent data about the contribution of the NRF2 pathway in the healthy brain as well as during metabolic diseases, cancer, ageing, and ageing-related neurodegenerative diseases. We also discuss promising therapeutic strategies and the need for better understanding of cell-type-specific functions of NRF2 in these different fields.
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12
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Diet and exercise in lifestyle medicine: the hormetic effects of bioactive compounds on human health. CURRENT OPINION IN TOXICOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cotox.2022.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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13
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Activation of the Nrf2 Pathway as a Therapeutic Strategy for ALS Treatment. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27051471. [PMID: 35268572 PMCID: PMC8911691 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27051471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a progressive and fatal disease that causes motoneurons degeneration and functional impairment of voluntary muscles, with limited and poorly efficient therapies. Alterations in the Nrf2-ARE pathway are associated with ALS pathology and result in aberrant oxidative stress, making the stimulation of the Nrf2-mediated antioxidant response a promising therapeutic strategy in ALS to reduce oxidative stress. In this review, we first introduce the involvement of the Nrf2 pathway in the pathogenesis of ALS and the role played by astrocytes in modulating such a protective pathway. We then describe the currently developed activators of Nrf2, used in both preclinical animal models and clinical studies, taking into consideration their potentialities as well as the possible limitations associated with their use.
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14
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Shilovsky GA. Lability of the Nrf2/Keap/ARE Cell Defense System in Different Models of Cell Aging and Age-Related Pathologies. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2022; 87:70-85. [PMID: 35491021 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297922010060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The level of oxidative stress in an organism increases with age. Accumulation of damages resulting in the disruption of genome integrity can be the cause of many age-related diseases and appearance of phenotypic and physiological signs of aging. In this regard, the Nrf2 system, which regulates expression of numerous enzymes responsible for the antioxidant defense and detoxification, is of great interest. This review summarizes and analyzes the data on the age-related changes in the Nrf2 system in vivo and in vitro in various organs and tissues. Analysis of published data suggests that the capacity for Nrf2 activation (triggered by the increased level of oxidative stress) steadily declines with age. At the same time, changes in the Nrf2 activity under the stress-free conditions do not have such unambiguous directionality; in many studies, these changes were statistically insignificant, although it is commonly accepted that the level of oxidative stress steadily increases with aging. This review examines the role of cell regulatory systems limiting the ability of Nrf2 to respond to oxidative stress. Senescent cells are extremely susceptible to the oxidative damage due to the impaired Nrf2 signaling. Activation of the Nrf2 pathway is a promising target for new pharmacological or genetic therapeutic strategies. Suppressors of the Nrf2 expression, such as Keap1, GSK3, c-Myc, and Bach1, may contribute to the age-related impairments in the induction of Nrf2-regulated antioxidant genes. Understanding the mechanisms of regulatory cascades linking the programs responsible for the maintenance of homeostasis and cell response to the oxidative stress will contribute to the elucidation of molecular mechanisms underlying aging and longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory A Shilovsky
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russia
- Institute for Information Transmission Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 127051, Russia
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15
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Boas SM, Joyce KL, Cowell RM. The NRF2-Dependent Transcriptional Regulation of Antioxidant Defense Pathways: Relevance for Cell Type-Specific Vulnerability to Neurodegeneration and Therapeutic Intervention. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 11:antiox11010008. [PMID: 35052512 PMCID: PMC8772787 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11010008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress has been implicated in the etiology and pathobiology of various neurodegenerative diseases. At baseline, the cells of the nervous system have the capability to regulate the genes for antioxidant defenses by engaging nuclear factor erythroid 2 (NFE2/NRF)-dependent transcriptional mechanisms, and a number of strategies have been proposed to activate these pathways to promote neuroprotection. Here, we briefly review the biology of the transcription factors of the NFE2/NRF family in the brain and provide evidence for the differential cellular localization of NFE2/NRF family members in the cells of the nervous system. We then discuss these findings in the context of the oxidative stress observed in two neurodegenerative diseases, Parkinson's disease (PD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and present current strategies for activating NFE2/NRF-dependent transcription. Based on the expression of the NFE2/NRF family members in restricted populations of neurons and glia, we propose that, when designing strategies to engage these pathways for neuroprotection, the relative contributions of neuronal and non-neuronal cell types to the overall oxidative state of tissue should be considered, as well as the cell types which have the greatest intrinsic capacity for producing antioxidant enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M. Boas
- Department of Neuroscience, Southern Research, 2000 9th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA; (S.M.B.); (K.L.J.)
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Kathlene L. Joyce
- Department of Neuroscience, Southern Research, 2000 9th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA; (S.M.B.); (K.L.J.)
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Rita M. Cowell
- Department of Neuroscience, Southern Research, 2000 9th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA; (S.M.B.); (K.L.J.)
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Correspondence:
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16
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Ahuja M, Ammal Kaidery N, Attucks OC, McDade E, Hushpulian DM, Gaisin A, Gaisina I, Ahn YH, Nikulin S, Poloznikov A, Gazaryan I, Yamamoto M, Matsumoto M, Igarashi K, Sharma SM, Thomas B. Bach1 derepression is neuroprotective in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2111643118. [PMID: 34737234 PMCID: PMC8694049 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2111643118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative movement disorder characterized by the loss of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons. Mounting evidence suggests that Nrf2 is a promising target for neuroprotective interventions in PD. However, electrophilic chemical properties of the canonical Nrf2-based drugs cause irreversible alkylation of cysteine residues on cellular proteins resulting in side effects. Bach1 is a known transcriptional repressor of the Nrf2 pathway. We report that Bach1 levels are up-regulated in PD postmortem brains and preclinical models. Bach1 knockout (KO) mice were protected against 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced dopaminergic neurotoxicity and associated oxidative damage and neuroinflammation. Functional genomic analysis demonstrated that the neuroprotective effects in Bach1 KO mice was due to up-regulation of Bach1-targeted pathways that are associated with both Nrf2-dependent antioxidant response element (ARE) and Nrf2-independent non-ARE genes. Using a proprietary translational technology platform, a drug library screen identified a substituted benzimidazole as a Bach1 inhibitor that was validated as a nonelectrophile. Oral administration of the Bach1 inhibitor attenuated MPTP neurotoxicity in pre- and posttreatment paradigms. Bach1 inhibitor-induced neuroprotection was associated with the up-regulation of Bach1-targeted pathways in concurrence with the results from Bach1 KO mice. Our results suggest that genetic deletion as well as pharmacologic inhibition of Bach1 by a nonelectrophilic inhibitor is a promising therapeutic approach for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuj Ahuja
- Darby Children's Research Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
| | - Navneet Ammal Kaidery
- Darby Children's Research Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
| | | | | | - Dmitry M Hushpulian
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow 109028, Russia
| | - Arsen Gaisin
- Integrated Molecular Structure Education and Research Center, Northwestern University, IL 60208
| | - Irina Gaisina
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60612
| | - Young Hoon Ahn
- Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202
| | - Sergey Nikulin
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow 109028, Russia
| | - Andrey Poloznikov
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow 109028, Russia
| | - Irina Gazaryan
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow 109028, Russia
- Department of Chemical Enzymology, M. V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia
- Department of Chemistry and Physical Sciences, Pace University, Pleasantville, NY 10570
| | - Masayuki Yamamoto
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8573, Japan
| | - Mitsuyo Matsumoto
- Department of Biochemistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Igarashi
- Department of Biochemistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Sudarshana M Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
| | - Bobby Thomas
- Darby Children's Research Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425;
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
- Department of Drug Discovery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
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17
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Gaisina IN, Hushpulian DM, Gaisin AM, Kazakov EH, Ammal Kaidery N, Ahuja M, Poloznikov AA, Gazaryan IG, Thatcher GRJ, Thomas B. Identification of a potent Nrf2 displacement activator among aspirin-containing prodrugs. Neurochem Int 2021; 149:105148. [PMID: 34329734 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2021.105148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Aspirin is a desired leaving group in prodrugs aimed at treatment of neurodegeneration and other conditions. A library of aspirin derivatives of various scaffolds potentially activating Nrf2 has been tested in Neh2-luc reporter assay which screens for direct Nrf2 protein stabilizers working via disruption of Nrf2-Keap1 interaction. Most aspirin prodrugs had a pro-alkylating or pro-oxidant motif in the structure and, therefore, were toxic at high concentrations. However, among the active compounds, we identified a molecule resembling a well-known Nrf2 displacement activator, bis-1,4-(4-methoxybenzenesulfonamidyl) naphthalene (NMBSA). The direct comparison of the newly identified compound with NMBSA and its improved analog in the reporter assay showed no quenching with N-acetyl cysteine, thus pointing to Nrf2 stabilization mechanism without cysteine alkylation. The potency of the newly identified compound in the reporter assay was much stronger than NMBSA, despite its inhibitory action in the commercial fluorescence polarization assay was observed only in the millimolar range. Molecular docking predicted that mono-deacetylation of the novel prodrug should generate a potent displacement activator. The time-course of reporter activation with the novel prodrug had a pronounced lag-period pointing to a plausible intracellular transformation leading to an active product. Treatment of the novel prodrug with blood plasma or cell lysate demonstrated stepwise deacetylation as judge by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Hence, the esterase-catalyzed hydrolysis of the prodrug liberates only acetyl groups from aspirin moiety and generates a potent Nrf2 activator. The discovered mechanism of prodrug activation makes the newly identified compound a promising lead for future optimization studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina N Gaisina
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Dmitry M Hushpulian
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia
| | - Arsen M Gaisin
- Integrated Molecular Structure Education and Research Center, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | | | - Navneet Ammal Kaidery
- Darby Children's Research Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Manuj Ahuja
- Darby Children's Research Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Andrey A Poloznikov
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia
| | - Irina G Gazaryan
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia; Department of Chemical Enzymology, M.V.Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia; Department of Chemistry and Physical Sciences, Pace University, Pleasantville, NY, USA
| | - Gregory R J Thatcher
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Bobby Thomas
- Darby Children's Research Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; Department of Drug Discovery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
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