KTN1 mediated unfolded protein response protects keratinocytes from ionizing radiation-induced DNA damage

The unfolded protein response (UPR) is one of the cytoprotective mechanisms against various stresses and essential for the normal function of skin. Skin injury caused by ionizing radiation (IR) is a common side effect of radiotherapy and it is unclear how UPR affects IR-induced skin injury.

To verify the effect of UPR on IR-induced DNA damage in keratinocytes and the relation between an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) protein KTN1 and UPR.

All experiments were performed on keratinocytes models: HaCaT and HEK-A. ER lumen and the expression levels of KTN1 and UPR pathway proteins (PERK, IRE1α and ATF6) were examined by transmission electron microscopy and immunoblotting, respectively. 4-PBA, an UPR inhibitor, was used to detected its effects on DNA damage and cell proliferation. Subsequently, the effects of KTN1 deletion on UPR, DNA damage and cell proliferation after IR were detected. Tunicamycin was used to reactivate UPR and then we examined its effects on DNA damage.

UPR was activated by IR in keratinocytes. Inhibition of UPR aggravated DNA damage and suppressed cell proliferation after IR. KTN1 expression was upregulated by IR and KTN1 depletion reduced ER expansion and the expression of UPR-related proteins. Moreover, KTN1 depletion aggravated DNA damage and suppressed cell proliferation after IR could reversed by reactivation of UPR.

KTN1 deletion aggravates IR-induced keratinocyte DNA damage via inhibiting UPR. Our findings provide new insights into the mechanisms of keratinocytes in response to IR-induced damage.