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The KEAP1-NRF2 pathway regulates TFEB/TFE3-dependent lysosomal biogenesis
Athena Jessica S Ong1,2, Cerys E Bladen1,2, Tara A Tigani1,2
1Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.
Keap1 deficiency causes lethal embryonic defects by activating NRF2, leading to abnormal lysosome production. This highlights the critical role of the KEAP1-NRF2 pathway in maintaining lysosomal homeostasis for development.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Redox and metabolic homeostasis are crucial for embryonic development.
- Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) regulates redox balance and metabolism.
- Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) normally represses NRF2 under homeostatic conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the consequences of Keap1 deficiency on embryonic development.
- To elucidate the role of the KEAP1-NRF2 pathway in cellular homeostasis and development.
- To understand the mechanisms underlying Keap1 deficiency-induced lethality.
Main Methods:
- Generation and analysis of Keap1-deficient mouse models.
- Assessment of liver abnormalities and lysosomal accumulation.
- Investigation of transcription factor EB (TFEB) and transcription factor binding to IGHM Enhancer 3 (TFE3) activity.
- Evaluation of NRF2-dependent lysosomal biogenesis.
Main Results:
- Keap1 deficiency leads to Nrf2 activation and postdevelopmental lethality.
- Mice lacking Keap1 exhibit severe liver abnormalities with lysosomal accumulation.
- Loss of Keap1 promotes TFEB/TFE3-dependent lysosomal biogenesis.
- NRF2-mediated regulation of lysosomal biogenesis is cell-autonomous and conserved.
Conclusions:
- The KEAP1-NRF2 pathway is essential for regulating lysosomal biogenesis.
- Maintenance of lysosomal homeostasis is critical for successful embryonic development.
- Dysregulation of the KEAP1-NRF2 pathway can lead to developmental defects and lethality.
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