Induction of antioxidant enzymes by FAK in a human leukemic cell line, HL-60

Yoshiko Sonoda1, Naomi Aiba, Ryouko Utsubo

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, Kyoritsu College of Pharmacy, Shibakoen 1-5-30, Minato, Tokyo 105-8512, Japan. sonoda-ys@kyoritsu-ph.ac.jp

Insights

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) enhances cellular resistance to oxidative stress by upregulating antioxidant enzymes, suppressing lipid peroxidation, and preventing apoptosis. This involves increased GSH reductase and PHGPx, despite decreased GPx and catalase.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Oxidative stress induces apoptosis, a programmed cell death pathway.
  • Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) plays a role in cellular signaling and survival.
  • Understanding FAK's role in oxidative stress resistance is crucial for developing therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the molecular mechanisms by which FAK confers resistance to oxidative stress-induced apoptosis.
  • To identify target genes regulated by FAK in response to oxidative stress.

Main Methods:

  • Establishment of FAK-transfected HL-60 cells (HL-60/FAK) resistant to oxidative stress.
  • cDNA microarray screening using an apoptosis-chip to identify differentially expressed genes.
  • Measurement of lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels.
  • Assessment of antioxidant enzyme activity and mRNA expression (GPx, GRe, PHGPx, catalase).
  • Inhibition of FAK and c-Src using PP2 to study their effect on antioxidant enzyme expression.

Main Results:

  • HL-60/FAK cells exhibited suppressed lipid peroxidation and similar ROS accumulation compared to control cells under hydrogen peroxide treatment.
  • Basal levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were higher in HL-60/FAK cells.
  • mRNA expression and activity of glutathione reductase (GRe) and phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (PHGPx) were significantly elevated in HL-60/FAK cells.
  • Expression of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase was decreased in HL-60/FAK cells.
  • Inhibition of FAK and c-Src with PP2 reduced GRe and PHGPx mRNA levels.

Conclusions:

  • FAK upregulates key antioxidant enzymes (GRe, PHGPx) and suppresses lipid peroxidation, contributing to resistance against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis.
  • FAK-mediated signaling, involving c-Src, plays a critical role in maintaining the antioxidant defense system.
  • These findings highlight FAK as a potential therapeutic target for conditions involving oxidative stress and apoptosis.

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