核转录因子相关因子2的活化在肿瘤代谢中的作用

核转录因子(NF-E2)相关因子2（nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2, Nrf2）是细胞应对外界应激的主要调控因子,通过调控多种靶基因的表达,在生理条件下减轻氧化应激,维持细胞稳态。其上游受多种因素调控,包括氧化与亲电应激、外界营养状态、细胞内代谢中间产物和能量状态等。在肿瘤细胞中,异常活跃的Nrf2使其抗氧化能力增强,并且通过介导代谢重编程（metabolic reprogramming）,促进肿瘤细胞增殖和生长。Keap1 (Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1)是氧化和亲电应激感受器,通过募集泛素降解系统,对Nrf2的活性起主要调控作用。本文介绍Keap1依赖与非依赖条件下Nrf2的活化途径,着重介绍在肿瘤中Nrf2的异常活化,以及如何调控代谢重编程进而调节肿瘤细胞的合成代谢,最终促进肿瘤的进展。     

Fisetin对H_2O_2诱导细胞内ROS的清除作用及机制探讨

活性氧(reactive oxygen species, ROS)在非酒精性脂肪肝、心血管疾病、癌症、糖尿病等疾病发生发展的过程中具有重要作用。HepG2细胞是评价抗氧化剂对活细胞氧化损伤保护作用的常用细胞模型。为了探讨非瑟酮(fisetin)对H_2O_2诱导细胞内ROS的清除作用及其机制,将HepG2细胞随机分为空白对照组(control)、溶剂对照组(solvent control)、H_2O_2模型组(H_2O_2model group)、fisetin干预组(fisetin+H_2O_2)、fisetin单独处理组(fisetin),检测不同干预组细胞存活率大小及细胞内ROS水平,同时检测核因子E2相关因子2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, Nrf2)、Kelch样ECH相关蛋白1 (Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1, Keap1)及Ⅱ相酶血红素氧合酶-1 (heme oxygenase-1, HO-1)、谷氨酰半胱氨酸连接酶催化亚基(glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit,GCLC)、谷氨酰半胱氨酸连接酶修饰亚基(glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit, GCLM)、醌氧化还原酶1(NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1, NQO1)的表达。此外,通过构建Nrf2敲低细胞系,进一步明确Nrf2在fisetin清除ROS过程中的作用。研究发现,与H_2O_2模型组相比, fisetin干预组细胞存活率显著上升; fisetin可抑制由H_2O_2引起的HepG2细胞内ROS的增加,上调Nrf2、HO-1蛋白表达,并下调Keap1蛋白表达; Nrf2稳定敲低后,细胞内ROS水平增加。实验结果表明, fisetin可能通过激活Keap1/Nrf2/抗氧化反应元件(antioxidant response element, ARE)通路诱导HO-1的表达,从而在抗氧化损伤过程中发挥细胞保护作用。     

人源LDHA基因启动子质粒的构建及在肺癌细胞中Nrf2对其转录表达调控和功能分析

为探索核因子E2相关因子2(nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2,Nrf2)调节肿瘤代谢进而影响肿瘤细胞迁移的分子机制,着重研究了Nrf2对乳酸脱氢酶A(lactate dehydrogenase A,LDHA)表达的调控。首先成功构建了人源LDHA基因启动子萤火虫荧光素酶报告基因质粒LDHA-luc。将质粒LDHA-luc与Nrf2表达载体共同转染A549细胞,转染后经双荧光素酶报告基因系统检测,显示共转Nrf2质粒时LDHA-luc活性明显要比对照组高;同时,转染Nrf2质粒时LDHA的蛋白质表达水平明显高于对照组,表明在A549细胞中Nrf2促进LDHA的转录和表达。而LDHA的上调会促进酸性肿瘤微环境的形成,促进细胞迁移。因此,成功构建的人源LDHA基因启动子萤火虫荧光素酶报告基因质粒LDHA-luc及探索出的Nrf2对LDHA基因表达的调控,为进一步研究Nrf2通过LDHA影响细胞代谢进而促进细胞迁移奠定了基础。     

Nrf2在动脉粥样硬化中的作用

氧化应激是动脉粥样硬化的重要发病机制之一,降低体内氧化应激水平对预防和治疗动脉粥样硬化具有重要意义。核因子-红细胞相关因子2(nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, Nrf2)属于CNC亮氨酸拉链转录激活因子家族,是内源性抗氧化途径的中枢转录因子,能调节抗氧化因子的表达,对动脉粥样硬化的预防和治疗具有重要作用。近年来,关于Nrf2在动脉粥样硬化中的研究表明,Nrf2可能是动脉粥样硬化的潜在治疗靶点。本文总结了Nrf2在动脉粥样硬化中作用的最新研究进展。     

基于模式生物斑马鱼Nrf2的相关研究进展

Nrf2/ARE信号通路是大多数生物体内抗氧化应激反应、抵抗内外界刺激的关键通路,在抗炎症、免疫、抗肿瘤、抗凋亡、神经保护等方面起着重要的作用。斑马鱼作为一种常见的模式动物,广泛地应用于发育生物学、遗传学和毒理学等研究领域。研究表明转录因子NF_E2相关因子2(NF-E2-related factor 2,Nrf2)不仅在哺乳动物体内存在,也在斑马鱼体内存在并且高度保守,并在抗氧化应激反应中发挥着重要作用。本文通过对斑马鱼Nrf2的结构、生物学功能及其信号通路等方面的最新研究进行阐述,以期为Nrf2及其信号通路引发的相关疾病的预防和治疗提供新的思路。     

血管内皮Nrf2-ARE通路调控的研究进展与展望

核因子E2相关因子2(nuclear factor E2-related factor 2,Nrf2)是一种对细胞氧化应激十分敏感的基因转录因子,可诱导依赖抗氧化反应元件(ARE)的多种抗氧化蛋白的合成;Nrf2由Kelch样ECH相关蛋白1(Keap1)扣押于胞浆并被转运至26S蛋白酶体降解,从而维持在生理状态下Nrf2的低转录活性;创伤及氧化应激可诱导Nrf2从Keap1解离并转位至胞核,从而启动下游靶基因的转录激活.由蛋白激酶C(PKC)、丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(MAPK)、肌酸激酶2(CK2)等蛋白激酶介导的Nrf2磷酸化、亲电子物质对Keap1巯基的修饰,以及泛素-蛋白酶体系统均与Nrf2-ARE通路的转录调控有关.     

Nrf2在阿尔茨海默病中的研究现状

阿尔茨海默病(Alzheimer's disease,AD)是最常见的神经系统变性疾病,主要病理特征为细胞外老年斑(senile plaques,SP)和细胞内神经原纤维缠结(neurofibrillary tangles,NFT)形成.但其发病机制不清,涉及多种病理学变化如炎症反应、氧化应激、线粒体功能障碍、细胞凋亡以及突触功能障碍等.核因子E2相关因子2(nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2,Nrf2)是经典的调控机体抗氧化应激反应的核转录因子.Nrf2激活后诱导抗氧化蛋白的表达,提高机体的抗氧化应激能力.随着Nrf2抗氧化应激作用研究的深入,发现Nrf2不仅能够通过抗氧化应激延缓AD的发生发展,且在AD的病理性沉积物的清除、抗炎、抗凋亡、神经营养等方面扮演着重要的角色.近年来,由于多种针对单一靶点的抗AD药物临床试验的失败,有学者提出Nrf2可能是实现AD多靶点疗法的重要因子.因此,本文对Nrf2在AD中的研究现状做一综述,为寻找治疗AD潜在的生物学靶点提供理论依据.     

Krüppel样转录因子8(KLF8)的结构及功能

Krüppel样转录因子8(Krüppel-like factor 8,KLF8)是KLFs家族中的一员.KLF8在羧基端含有3个保守的C2H2锌指结构域,用于与DNA结合.KLF8的转录受粘着斑激酶(focal adhesion kinase,FAK)、KLF1(erythroid krüppel-like fact...     

氧化还原内稳态关键因子Nrf2对新陈代谢的调节作用北大核心CSCD

核转录因子红细胞系2-p45相关因子2(nuclear factor-erythroid 2-p45 related factor 2,Nrf2)是调控细胞氧化还原稳态的重要转录因子。除了调节氧化应激反应外,近年来,Nrf2在代谢调节中的重要作用也备受关注。文章重点综述了Nrf2调控细胞的糖代谢、脂代谢、核酸代谢和氨基酸代谢的方式,并论述了Nrf2失调导致的多种代谢相关疾病,包括糖尿病、脂肪肝、帕金森氏症和肿瘤。最后,讨论了代谢压力介导的Nrf2活性改变与长寿、肿瘤防治及压力应激的关系。     

PAF对BV2细胞炎症因子分泌的影响及转录组学分析

探究血小板活化因子（Platelet activating factor,PAF）对BV2细胞炎症因子分泌的影响及初步推测其调控机制。外源PAF(2×10^-5M)作用于BV2细胞24 h,36 h,48 h后,（1）CCK8实验检测空白对照组,Mock组和PAF处理组细胞活性;（2）ELISA实验测炎症因子TNFα、IL-6、Cxcl2、IL-1a的分泌;（3）Western Blot检测炎症介质COX-2蛋白水平;（4）对PAF处理24h的BV2细胞以及对应的Mock组细胞进行RNA测序得到转录组测序结果;（5）GO和KEGG富集分析后,运用String数据库配合Cytoscape软件找出炎症相关的Hub基因并挑选出以下基因（Ccl4、Ccl3、Ccl7、IL-1a、Cxcl2、IL1f9、IL34、COX-2、Serpinb1a）进行qPCR验证。实验结果表明,PAF作用时间为24 h,36 h,48 h后,相比对照组：（1）BV2细胞活性降低;（2）上清液中的炎症因子TNFα,IL-6,IL-1a,Cxcl2分泌增加;（3）炎症介质COX-2蛋白表达水平上调...     

Curcumin and its derivatives inhibit 2,3,7,8,-tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin-induced expression of drug metabolizing enzymes through aryl hydrocarbon receptor-mediated pathway

Abstract

Certain dioxins, including 2,3,7,8,-tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), are exogenous ligands for an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and induces various drug-metabolizing enzymes. In this study, we examined the effect of curcumin on expression of drug-metabolizing enzymes through the AhR and NF-E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathways. Curcumin dose-dependently inhibited TCDD-induced expression of phase I enzyme cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) and phase II enzymes NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) but not tert-butyl hydroquinone-induced NQO1 and HO-1, suggesting that curcumin inhibited only AhR pathway, but not Nrf2 one directly. Furthermore, we used 14 curcumin derivatives and obtained the correlation between hydrophobicity of the compounds and suppressive effect against AhR transformation. Results from the quantitative structure active correlative analysis indicated that methoxy groups and β-diketone structure possessing keto-enol tautomerism in curcumin were necessary to inhibit AhR transformation, and the addition of methyl and methoxy group(s) to the curcumin increased the inhibition effect.     

异氟醚通过Nrf2/HO-1/ROS途径抑制缺氧引起肺动脉平滑肌细胞焦亡

研究发现,异氟醚吸入麻醉可明显减轻由缺血-再灌注引起的肺动脉高压(PAH),提示其对肺循环功能有一定保护效应。肺动脉平滑肌细胞(PASMC)是肺动脉血管重塑和PAH发生的主要参与者,其结构改变和功能异常均可显著影响肺动脉高压病情进展。本研究探讨异氟醚对缺氧诱导的PASMC焦亡的影响及其调控机制,旨在为肺动脉高压治疗提供潜在分子靶点。PASMC于37 ℃、5％CO₂、3％O₂条件下静置培养24 h建立缺氧模型。RT-PCR和Western印迹等结果显示,缺氧致使PASMC内紅系衍生的核转录因子2(Nrf2)核转位减少,血红素加氧酶-1(HO-1)表达水平下调,而焦亡相关蛋白质,包括NOD样受体蛋白 3(NLRP3)、胱天蛋白酶 1(caspase-1)、凋亡相关斑点样蛋白(ASC)及消皮素D(GSDMD)等表达上调,活性氧(ROS)生成、胱天蛋白酶1活性和乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)释放水平升高,Hoechst/PI染色显示,焦亡孔洞增加。ELISA结果表明,IL-1β、IL-6、IL-18和TNF-α分泌增加(P＜0.05)。异氟醚处理可显著激活Nrf2/HO-1通路,缓解缺氧诱导的PASMC焦亡,并且ROS阻断剂NAC预处理肺动脉平滑肌细胞,可使异氟醚的抗焦亡效应更为明显。另外,Nrf2特异性siRNA(Nrf2 siRNA)、或HO-1抑制剂锌原卟啉(Znpp)处理肺动脉平滑肌细胞,异氟醚引起的ROS生成显著升高(P＜0. 05),且Nrf2 siRNA转染显著抵消了异氟醚的抗焦亡效应。综上,异氟醚可通过Nrf2/HO-1/ROS途径抑制缺氧引起的肺动脉平滑肌细胞焦亡。     

Activation of the UPR Protects against Cigarette Smoke-induced RPE Apoptosis through Up-Regulation of Nrf2

Recent studies have revealed a role of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-induced unfolded protein response (UPR) in the regulation of RPE cell activity and survival. Herein, we examined the mechanisms by which the UPR modulates apoptotic signaling in human RPE cells challenged with cigarette smoking extract (CSE). Our results show that CSE exposure induced a dose- and time-dependent increase in ER stress markers, enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial fragmentation, and apoptosis of RPE cells. These changes were prevented by the anti-oxidant NAC or chemical chaperone TMAO, suggesting a close interaction between oxidative and ER stress in CSE-induced apoptosis. To decipher the role of the UPR, overexpression or down-regulation of XBP1 and CHOP genes was manipulated by adenovirus or siRNA. Overexpressing XBP1 protected against CSE-induced apoptosis by reducing CHOP, p-p38, and caspase-3 activation. In contrast, XBP1 knockdown sensitized the cells to CSE-induced apoptosis, which is likely through a CHOP-independent pathway. Surprisingly, knockdown of CHOP reduced p-eIF2α and Nrf2 resulting in a marked increase in caspase-3 activation and apoptosis. Furthermore, Nrf2 inhibition increased ER stress and exacerbated cell apoptosis, while Nrf2 overexpression reduced CHOP and protected RPE cells. Our data suggest that although CHOP may function as a pro-apoptotic gene during ER stress, it is also required for Nrf2 up-regulation and RPE cell survival. In addition, enhancing Nrf2 and XBP1 activity may help reduce oxidative and ER stress and protect RPE cells from cigarette smoke-induced damage.     

LL202 ameliorates colitis against oxidative stress of macrophage by activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway

LL202, a newly synthesized flavonoid derivative, has been confirmed to inhibit the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway and activation protein-1 activation in monocytes; however, the anti-inflammatory mechanism has not been clearly studied. Uncontrolled overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has involved in oxidative damage of inflammatory bowel disease. In this study, we investigated that LL202 reduced lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ROS production and malondialdehyde levels and increased superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and total antioxidant capacity in RAW264.7 cells. Mechanically, LL202 could upregulate heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) via promoting nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2 (NF-E2)-related factor 2 (Nrf2) to regulate LPS-induced oxidative stress in macrophages. In vivo, we validated the role of LL202 in dextran sulfate sodium- and TNBS-induced colitis models, respectively. The results showed that LL202 decreased the proinflammatory cytokine expression and regulated colonic oxidative stress by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. In conclusion, our study showed that LL202 exerts an anti-inflammatory effect by enhancing the antioxidant capacity of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway to macrophages.     

Downregulated microRNA-27b attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury via activation of NF-E2-related factor 2 and inhibition of nuclear factor κB signaling pathway

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a life-threatening, diffuse heterogeneous lung injury characterized by acute onset, pulmonary edema, and respiratory failure. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a leading cause for ALI and when administered to a mouse it induces a lung phenotype exhibiting some of the clinical characteristics of human ALI. This study focused on investigating whether microRNA-27b (miR-27b) affects ALI in a mouse model established by LPS-induction and to further explore the underlying mechanism. After model establishment, the mice were treated with miR-27b agomir, miR-27b antagomir, or D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole (an inhibitor of nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 [Nrf2]) to determine levels of miR-27b, Nrf2, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), p-NF-κB, and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). The levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were determined. The results of luciferase activity suggested that Nrf2 was a target gene of miR-27b. It was indicated that the Nrf2 level decreased in lung tissues from ALI mice. The downregulation of miR-27b decreased the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in BALF of ALI mice. Downregulated miR-27b increased Nrf2 level, thus enhancing HO-1 level along with reduction of NF-κB level as well as the extent of NF-κB phosphorylation in the lung tissues of the transfected mice. Pathological changes were ameliorated in LPS-reduced mice elicited by miR-27b inhibition. The results of this study demonstrate that downregulated miR-27b couldenhance Nrf2 and HO-1 expressions, inhibit NF-κB signaling pathway, which exerts a protective effect on LPS-induced ALI in mice.     

Activation of KGFR-Akt-mTOR-Nrf2 signaling protects human retinal pigment epithelium cells from Ultra-violet

Ultra-violet (UV) radiation causes oxidative injuries to human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. We tested the potential effect of keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) against the process. KGF receptor (KGFR) is expressed in ARPE-19?cells and primary human RPE cells. Pre-treatment with KGF inhibited UV-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and RPE cell death. KGF activated nuclear-factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling in RPE cells, causing Nrf2 Ser-40 phosphorylation, stabilization and nuclear translocation as well as expression of Nrf2-dependent genes (HO1, NOQ1 and GCLC). Nrf2 knockdown (by targeted shRNAs) or S40T mutation almost reversed KGF-induced RPE cell protection against UV. Further studies demonstrated that KGF activated KGFR-Akt-mTORC1 signaling to mediate downstream Nrf2 activation. KGFR shRNA or Akt-mTORC1 inhibition not only blocked KGF-induced Nrf2 Ser-40 phosphorylation and activation, but also nullified KGF-mediated RPE cell protection against UV. We conclude that KGF-KGFR activates Akt-mTORC1 downstream Nrf2 signaling to protect RPE cells from UV radiation.     

4-Hydroxy hexenal derived from dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids induces anti-oxidative enzyme heme oxygenase-1 in multiple organs

It has recently been reported that expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) plays a protective role against many diseases. Furthermore, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were shown to induce HO-1 expression in several cells in vitro, and in a few cases also in vivo. However, very few reports have demonstrated that n-3 PUFAs induce HO-1 in vivo.