Induction of REDD1 via AP-1 prevents oxidative stress-mediated injury in hepatocytes

Regulated in development and DNA damage responses 1 (REDD1) is an inducible gene in response to various stresses, which functions as a negative regulator of the mammalian target of rapamycin protein kinase in complex 1. In the present study, we identified the role of REDD1 under the oxidative stress-mediated hepatocyte injury and its regulatory mechanism. REDD1 protein was increased in H₂O₂ or tert-butylhydroperoxide (t-BHP)-treated hepatocytes_· H₂O₂ also elevated REDD1 mRNA levels. This event was inhibited by antioxidants such as diphenyleneiodonium chloride, N-acetyl-L-cysteine, or butylated hydroxy anisole. Interestingly, we found that H₂O₂-mediated REDD1 induction was transcriptionally regulated by activator protein-1 (AP-1), and that overexpression of c-Jun increased REDD1 protein levels and REDD1 promoter-driven luciferase activity. Deletion of the putative AP-1 binding site in proximal region of the human REDD1 promoter significantly abolished REDD1 transactivation by c-Jun. A NF-E2-related factor 2 activator, tert-butylhydroquinone treatment also elevated REDD1 levels, but it was independent on NF-E2-related factor 2 activation. Furthermore, we observed that REDD1 overexpression attenuated H₂O₂ or t-BHP-derived reactive oxygen species formation as well as cytotoxicity. Conversely, siRNA against REDD1 aggravated t-BHP-induced reactive oxygen species generation and cell death. In addition, we showed that REDD1 was induced by in vitro or in vivo ischemia/reperfusion model. Our results demonstrate that REDD1 induction by oxidative stress is mainly transcriptionally regulated by AP-1, and protects oxidative stress-mediated hepatocyte injury. These findings suggest REDD1 as a novel molecule that reduced susceptibility to oxidant-induced liver injury.