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Published on: May 21, 2020
TAK1 Regulates the Nrf2 Antioxidant System Through Modulating p62/SQSTM1
Kazunori Hashimoto1, Alicia N Simmons1, Rie Kajino-Sakamoto1
1Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University , Raleigh, North Carolina.
TGF-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) regulates the antioxidant factor Nrf2 by controlling p62/SQSTM1-dependent Keap1 degradation. This mechanism maintains Nrf2 levels and antioxidant defense in the intestinal epithelium.
Area of Science:
- Cellular signaling pathways
- Oxidative stress response
- Molecular biology
Background:
- Nuclear factor erythroid 2 (NF-E2)-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a key regulator of antioxidant genes.
- Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) typically targets Nrf2 for degradation.
- Oxidative stress modulates Keap1, leading to Nrf2 activation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the mechanism by which TGF-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) influences Nrf2 protein levels.
- To investigate the role of TAK1 in regulating antioxidant homeostasis in the intestinal epithelium.
Main Methods:
- Investigated the interaction between TAK1, p62/Sequestosome-1 (SQSTM1), and Keap1 in a mouse model.
- Analyzed the phosphorylation status of p62/SQSTM1 in relation to TAK1 activity.
- Assessed Nrf2 and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in Tak1-deficient intestinal epithelium.
Main Results:
- TAK1 upregulates serine 351 phosphorylation of p62/SQSTM1, promoting Keap1 degradation and increasing Nrf2 levels.
- Tak1 deficiency leads to reduced p62/SQSTM1 phosphorylation, decreased Nrf2, and increased Keap1.
- This TAK1-mediated regulation of Nrf2 is independent of canonical redox-dependent pathways.
Conclusions:
- TAK1 modulates Nrf2 levels by regulating p62/SQSTM1-dependent Keap1 degradation.
- This pathway is crucial for maintaining homeostatic antioxidant protection in the intestinal epithelium.
- Identified a novel non-redox mechanism for Nrf2 regulation by TAK1.
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