Sulforaphane induces autophagy through ERK activation in neuronal cells

Sulforaphane (SFN), an activator of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), has been reported to induce autophagy in several cells. However, little is known about its signaling mechanism of autophagic induction. Here, we provide evidence that SFN induces autophagy with increased levels of LC3-II through extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation in neuronal cells. Pretreatment with NAC (N-acetyl-l-cysteine), a well-known antioxidant, completely blocked the SFN-induced increase in LC3-II levels and activation of ERK. Knockdown or overexpression of Nrf2 did not affect autophagy. Together, the results suggest that SFN-mediated generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induces autophagy via ERK activation, independent of Nrf2 activity in neuronal cells.