INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
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2024
·Vol. 59
·期 9
·6231-6242
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IF 2.6
Mengmeng Zhang,Tianchui Wang,Sixian Ou,Yucong Zou,Xuan Xin
Summary Betaine is a natural antioxidant lacking the ability to scavenge free radicals. Although it has been shown to exert antioxidant function by enhancing the expression of antioxidant enzymes, its mechanism has not yet been elucidated. This study explored the role and mechanism of the transcription factor NF-E2-associated factor 2 (Nrf2)-Kelch-like epichlorohydrin-associated Protein 1 (Keap1) antioxidant reaction element (ARE) pathway in betaine-mediated enhancement of antioxidant enzyme expression. Results derived from real-time quantitative PCR, Western blot, quantitative methylation-specific PCR, and inhibitors assay experiments showed that betaine activated the Nrf2-Keap1-ARE pathway, leading to an increase in the mRNA level of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and heme oxygenase-1. The mechanism may involve betaine's promotion of DNA methyltransferase expression, resulting in increased methylation of Keap1 DNA promoter, which ultimately reduces the level of Keap1 mRNA. Therefore, betaine can directly activate the Nrf2-Keap1-ARE pathway by increasing the methylation level of Keap1 DNA promoter, thereby improving the expression of antioxidant enzymes. This study will contribute to unveiling a new antioxidant mechanism for betaine.
研究领域:
分子生物学
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药理学
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生物化学
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DOI
高影响因子
CHEMICAL RESEARCH IN TOXICOLOGY
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2015
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IF 3.529
Chuanyang Su,Pu Zhang,Xiufang Song,Qiong Shi,Juanli Fu,Xiaomin Xia,Huiyuan Bai,Lihua Hu,Demei Xu,Erqun Song,Yang Song
Tetrachlorobenzoquinone (TCBQ), a metabolite of industrial herbicide pentachlorophenol, showed hepatotoxicity and genotoxicity through reactive oxygen species (ROS) mechanism in vivo and in vitro models. Nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2 (Nrf2) is a cellular sensor of oxidative or electrophilic stress, which controls the expression of detoxifying enzymes and antioxidant proteins. Using the human hepatoma HepG2 cell line as an in vitro model, we demonstrated a significant induction of Nrf2 but not its negative regulator Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), following exposure to TCBQ. Also, our results clearly demonstrated the translocation of cytosolic Nrf2 into the nucleus. After translocation, Nrf2 subsequently binds to the antioxidant response element (ARE), up-regulated heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and NADH quinone oxidoreductase subunit 1 (NQO1), which may be considered as an antioxidative response to TCBQ-intoxication. The luciferase reporter assay confirmed the formation of the Nrf2-ARE complex. Furthermore, mechanism studies proposed that TCBQ promoted the formation of the Keap1 cross-linking dimer, a ubiquitination switch from Nrf2 to Keap1 but not the dissociation of the Keap1-Cullin3 (Cul3) complex.
研究领域:
毒理学
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细胞生物学
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分子生物学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Non-coding RNA Research
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2025
·
IF 4.7
Ying Wen,Yitong Li,Danhua Zhang,Ziru Liu,Hong Liu,Xiejia Li,Wei Wu,Liyun Zeng,Qiongyan Zou,Wenjun Yi
The prevalence of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) in advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) exceeds 80%. Our previous study indicated that photodynamic therapy (PDT) has potential for treating SHPT. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) is involved in various oxidative stress and apoptotic processes, but the molecular mechanism remains unreported. In this study, we found that PDT induced apoptosis in SHPT through reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. The expression of metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) within SHPT was upregulated after PDT. Inhibition of MALAT1 increased PDT-induced ROS, which promoted the apoptosis. Pearson correlation analysis confirmed that there was a positive correlation between MALAT1 and HO-1, and MALAT1 inhibition down-regulated HO-1, whereas concomitant overexpression of HO-1 was able to eliminate the PDT-induced ROS and inhibit apoptosis. The direct binding of MALAT1 to Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) protein was confirmed by high-throughput sequencing, RNA pulldown, silver staining and western blotting assays. Si-Keap1 was able to rescue the down-regulation of HO-1 caused by MALAT1 inhibition, restoring the elimination of ROS by HO-1 and attenuating the effect of PDT. In addition, PDT effectively reduced parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion in SHPT rats, and this effect was further enhanced in combination with MALAT1 inhibitors. Overall, MALAT1 activates downstream HO-1 expression by binding to Keap1, thereby reducing ROS and inhibiting apoptosis, which in turn mediates PDT resistance in SHPT. Inhibition of MALAT1 significantly enhanced the efficacy of PDT, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for improving PDT for SHPT outcomes.
研究领域:
医学
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分子生物学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Journal of Functional Foods
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2024
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IF 3.8
Chengji Dong,Gaoxiang Yu,Xianhui Ma,Zhuliu Chen,Ningning Yang,Xuankuai Chen,Yingying Lai,Jiayi Zhao,Yanlan Gu,Kailiang Zhou,Weiyang Gao,Jian Ding,Xuwei Zhu
Background How to improve flap necrosis in distal flaps is still a popular topic in clinical flap research. Zingerone (ZIN), as a plant extract, has therapeutic effects on many diseases. The purpose of our study was to explore whether ZIN can promote the survival of ischaemic skin flaps and its specific mechanism. Methods An ischemic flap model was established in the dorsal region of mice. The changes of angiogenesis, oxidative stress, apoptosis and Keap1-Nrf2 related proteins in the skin flap were detected by immunofluorescence, western blot and qPCR. Overexpression of Keap1 by adeno-associated virus (AAV) was used to study the specific pathway and mechanism. Results The results showed that ZIN can induce angiogenesis and reduce oxidative stress and apoptosis to promote flap survival. Increased expression of Keap1 reversed the therapeutic effect of ZIN. Conclusion ZIN activates Nrf2 by inhibiting Keap1 activation, thus promoting angiogenesis and inhibiting oxidative stress and apoptosis.
研究领域:
外科手术
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药理学
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分子生物学
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产品关联
DOI
高影响因子
Food Science & Nutrition
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2024
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IF 3.5
Xianyao Tao,Xiaoyun Pan,Gang Zhao,Mingyu Xue,Yongjun Rui
In clinical flap practice, there are a lot of studies being done on how to promote the survival of distal random flap necrosis in the hypoxic and ischemic state. As a traditional Chinese medicine, dihydromyricetin (DHM) is crucial in preventing oxidative stress and apoptosis in a number of disorders. In this work, we examined the impact of DHM on the ability to survive of ischemia flaps and looked into its fundamental mechanism. Our results showed that DHM significantly increased the ischemic flaps' survival area, encouraged angiogenesis and blood flow, reduced oxidative stress and apoptosis, and stimulated KEAP1-Nrf2 (Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1-nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor) signaling pathways. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) upregulation of KEAP1 expression also negated the favorable effects of DHM on flap survival. By activating KEAP1-Nrf2 signaling pathways, DHM therapy promotes angiogenesis while reducing oxidative stress and apoptosis.
研究领域:
药理学
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外科手术
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分子生物学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
TOXICOLOGY
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2024
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IF 4.8
Jianan Zhai,Zhengguo Chen,Qi zhu,Zhifang Guo,Xiance Sun,Liping Jiang,Jing Li,Ningning Wang,Xiaofeng Yao,Cong Zhang,Haoyuan Deng,Shaopeng Wang,Guang Yang
Patulin (PAT), the most common mycotoxin, is widespread in foods and beverages which poses a serious food safety issue to human health. Our previous research confirmed that exposure to PAT can lead to acute kidney injury (AKI). Curcumin is the most abundant active ingredient in turmeric rhizome with various biological activities. The aim of this study is to investigate whether curcumin can prevent the renal injury caused by PAT, and to explore potential mechanisms. In vivo , supplementation with curcumin attenuated PAT-induced ferroptosis. Mechanically, curcumin inhibited autophagy, led to the accumulation of p62 and its interaction with Keap1, promoted the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), and increased the expression of antioxidant stress factors in the process of ferroptosis. These results have also been confirmed in HKC cell experiments. Furthermore, knockdown of Nrf2 in HKC cells abrogated the protective effect of curcumin on ferroptosis. In conclusion, we confirmed that curcumin mitigated PAT-induced AKI by inhibiting ferroptosis via activation of the p62/Keap1/Nrf2 pathway. This study provides new potential targets and ideas for the prevention and treatment of PAT.
研究领域:
毒理学
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药理学
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分子生物学
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食品安全
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Food Frontiers
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2025
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IF 6.9
Xiaoli Qin,Yan Lu,Yawen Luo,Yafang Cui,Kai Zhao,Yang He,Muhammad Aziz ur Rahman,Shengnan Min,Wenfang Wang,Fuyu Yang,Binghai Cao,Huawei Su
Alfalfa is rich in flavonoid compounds, which are known for their antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, suggesting therapeutic potential for alfalfa flavonoids (AF) in inflammation-related diseases. This study investigated the effects of AF on Salmonella -induced colitis, a severe inflammatory bowel disorder characterized by oxidative damage and inflammatory response. In vitro, antioxidant assays revealed AF's concentration-dependent radical scavenging, significantly reducing electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) signals for HO • and O 2 •− by 42% and 54%, respectively. In vivo, AF treatment significantly mitigated body weight (BW) loss by 6%, increased colon length by 11%, and reduced liver and spleen weights by 19% and 81%, respectively, compared to the colitis group. Mechanistically, AF suppressed inflammation by downregulating the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/IκB/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)/cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) pathway and inhibiting nucleotide-binding domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation, thereby lowering levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α], interleukin 6 [IL-6], interleukin 1 beta [IL-1β]). Concurrently, AF enhanced antioxidant defense via the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)-nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels while increasing catalase (CAT) (69%), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) (83%), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (21%) activities. Moreover, AF preserved epithelial and mucosal barriers by reducing apoptosis and upregulating tight junction proteins (Claudin1, ZO-1, E-cadherin) and goblet cell marker Ulex europaeus (Gorse) Agglutinin I (UEA-1). Microbiota analysis revealed that AF significantly enriched beneficial bacteria, including Akkermansia , Oscillibacter , and butyrate-producing taxa, thereby counteracting Salmonella -induced dysbiosis. Furthermore, AF restored the disrupted profile of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), strengthening the relationship between symbiotic microbiota and mucosal defense. Overall, AF exerted multifaced protection against Salmonella -induced colitis by alleviating oxidative stress, stabilizing intestinal homeostasis, and thus attenuating inflammation. These findings make AF a promising phytopharmaceutical for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory diseases.
研究领域:
药理学
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微生物学
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免疫学
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产品关联
DOI
高影响因子
FOOD CHEMISTRY
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2021
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IF 7.514
Jia-Yi Yin,Ya-Ning Han,Meng-Qi Liu,Zan-Hao Piao,Xu Zhang,Yu-Ting Xue,Ying-Hua Zhang
Human health can be damaged by free radicals, and antioxidant peptides are excellent radical scavengers. Antioxidant tripeptides data set based on 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulofnic acid) (ABTS) assay was created, 9 types of descriptors were integrated and 4 quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) models were constructed in this study. Several structural factors influencing the activity of antioxidant tripeptides and the dominant amino acids at each position of tripeptides were revealed by the optimal model. Ten food-derived tripeptides with higher activity were selected for synthesis and activity determination. Molecular docking results demonstrated that these tripeptides were stably bound to the Keap1 receptor, further elucidating the antioxidant mechanism. It was known from the simulation of gastrointestinal digestion experiments that the model results possessed a guiding effect on the selection of proteins with high antioxidant activity . The performance of the model was proved to be robust after validation.
研究领域:
生物信息学
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营养学
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分子生物学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
CURRENT MOLECULAR MEDICINE
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2023
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IF 2.5
Wang Qi,Zhang Aihua
Background: Oxidative stress is a key mechanism underlying arsenicinduced
liver injury, the Kelch-like epichlorohydrin-related protein 1 (Keap1)/nuclear
factor E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway is the main regulatory pathway involved in
antioxidant protein and phase II detoxification enzyme expression. The aim of the present
study was to investigate the role and mechanism of baicalein in the alleviation of
arsenic-induced oxidative stress in normal human liver cells.
Methods: Normal human liver cells (MIHA cells) were treated with NaAsO2 (0, 5, 10,
20 μM) to observe the effect of different doses of NaAsO2 on MIHA cells. In addition,
the cells were treated with DMSO (0.1%), NaAsO2 (20 μM), or a combination of NaAsO2
(20 μM) and Baicalein (25, 50 or 100 μM) for 24 h to observe the antagonistic effect
of Baicalein on NaAsO2. Cell viability was determined using a Cell Counting Kit-8
(CCK-8 kit). The intervention doses of baicalein in subsequent experiments were determined
to be 25, 50 and 100μM. The intracellular content of reactive oxygen species
(ROS) was assessed using a 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA)
probe kit. The malonaldehyde (MDA), Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase (Cu-Zn SOD) and
glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were determined by a test kit. The expression
levels of key genes and proteins were determined by real-time fluorescence
quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blotting.
Results: Baicalein upregulated the protein expression levels of phosphorylated Nrf2
(p-Nrf2) and nuclear Nrf2, inhibited the downregulation of Nrf2 target genes induced by
arsenic, and decreased the production of ROS and MDA. These results demonstrate
that baicalein promotes Nrf2 nuclear translocation by upregulating p-Nrf2 and inhibiting
the downregulation of Nrf2 target genes in arsenic-treated MIHA cells, thereby enhancing
the antioxidant capacity of cells and reducing oxidative stress.
Conclusion: Baicalein alleviated arsenic-induced oxidative stress through activation
of the Keap1/Nrf2 signalling pathway in normal human liver cells.
研究领域:
毒理学
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分子生物学
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细胞生物学
✓ 已验证
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Frontiers in Pharmacology
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2021
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IF 5.811
Gao Ping,Du Xiaoyi,Liu Lili,Xu Hua,Liu Maochang,Guan Xinlei,Zhang Chengliang
Tacrolimus-induced chronic nephrotoxicity (TIN) hinders its long-term use in patients. However, there are no drugs available in the clinic to relieve it at present. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is a saponin extract of the Astragalus which is widely used in the treatment of kidney disease. This study aimed to investigate the effect of AS-IV on TIN and its underlying mechanism. Herein, C57BL/6 mice were treated with tacrolimus and/or AS-IV for 4 weeks, and then the renal function, fibrosis, oxidative stress and p62-Keap1-Nrf2 pathway were evaluated to ascertain the contribution of AS-IV and p62-Keap1-Nrf2 pathway to TIN. Our results demonstrated that AS-IV significantly improved renal function and alleviated tubulointerstitial fibrosis compared with the model group. The expression of fibrosis-related proteins, including TGF-β1, Collagen I and α-SMA, were also decreased by AS-IV. Furthermore, AS-IV relieved the inhibition of tacrolimus on antioxidant enzymes. The data in HK-2 cells also proved that AS-IV reduced tacrolimus-induced cell death and oxidative stress. Mechanistically, AS-IV markedly promoted the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and the renal protective effects of AS-IV were abolished by Nrf2 inhibitor. Further researches showed that phosphorylated p62 was significantly increased after AS-IV pretreatment. Moreover, AS-IV failed to increase nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and subsequent anti-oxidative stress in HK-2 cells transfected with p62 siRNA. Collectively, these findings indicate that AS-IV relieve TIN by enhancing p62 phosphorylation, thereby increasing Nrf2 nuclear translocation, and then alleviating ROS accumulation and renal fibrosis.
研究领域:
药理学
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肾病学
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分子生物学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
TOXICOLOGY AND APPLIED PHARMACOLOGY
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2025
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IF 3.4
Shijie Fan,Ying Zhao,Qingqing Zhao,Diyun Xu,Xi Chen,Jibo Han,Ziming Fang,Guang Liang,Yunjie Zhao
Hypertension engenders numerous complications, including hypertensive renal disease (HRD). Recent studies have underscored the significance of redox homeostasis in hypertension-associated kidney disorders. Carnosol (Car) has been identified as a potent antioxidant in other diseases. Nevertheless, its role in HRD remains uncertain. This research evaluated the therapeutic impact of Car on HRD and explored its pharmacological mechanism. Car (40 mg/kg) effectively ameliorated kidney injury and oxidative stress (OS) induced by angiotensin II (Ang II) both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, Car facilitates the phosphorylation of p62 through its interaction with mTOR, leading to the degradation of KEAP1, the release of NRF2, and the subsequent upregulation of antioxidant genes. Blocking mTORC1 eliminated Car-induced p62 activation and its antioxidant functions. In summary, our research has demonstrated that Car activates the p62-KEAP1-NRF2 pathway to alleviate the kidney injury and OS caused by Ang II. Consequently, Car may emerge as a promising candidate for the prevention and treatment of Ang II-induced kidney injury.
研究领域:
药理学
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分子生物学
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肾脏病学
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生物化学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
CANCER RESEARCH
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2025
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IF 16.6
Zhou Hai-Meng,Liu Yi,Shi Feng,Qiu Hao-Wen,Li Le,Shu Qi-Peng,Liu Yu-Ying,Wang Bai-Qi,Gao Meng,Du Run-Lei,Ke Shao-Bo,Zhang Xiao-Dong
Ferroptosis, a form of regulated cell death driven by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, plays a crucial role in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression and therapeutic response. The NRF2 pathway is one of the critical axes in ferroptosis regulation, which governs oxidative stress resistance and iron homeostasis through its downstream targets, including HMOX1, SLC7A11, and others. However, HMOX1 and SLC7A11 exhibit contrasting roles in ferroptosis, with HMOX1 promoting ferroptosis via iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation, while SLC7A11 inhibits ferroptosis by enhancing antioxidant defenses. Here, we identified CLK2 as a key regulator of the delicate balance of the opposing effects of HMOX1 and SLC7A11. CLK2 stabilized KEAP1 to suppress NRF2 activity, resulting in the downregulation of HMOX1 and SLC7A11. Simultaneously, CLK2 downregulated p53, thereby relieving p53-mediated repression of SLC7A11. The dual regulation by CLK2 disrupted the balance between HMOX1 and SLC7A11, leading to excessive activation of HMOX1 in the absence of CLK2, ultimately sensitizing CRC cells to ferroptosis. Additionally, CLK2 promoted CRC proliferation and tumorigenesis in patient-derived organoids, cell lines, and mouse models. Furthermore, combining the ferroptosis inducer Erastin with Oxaliplatin significantly enhanced anti-tumor efficacy in CLK2-deficient xenograft models. Together, this study establishes CLK2 as a critical inhibitor of ferroptosis via the KEAP1/NRF2/HMOX1 and p53/SLC7A11 axes, supporting its potential as a therapeutic target for CRC.
研究领域:
癌症生物学
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分子生物学
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细胞死亡
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信号转导
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肿瘤学
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药理学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
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