ALKBH5 SUMOylation-mediated FBXW7 m6A modification regulates alveolar cells senescence during 1-nitropyrene-induced pulmonary fibrosis

Our previous study revealed that 1-nitropyrene (1-NP) exposure evoked pulmonary fibrosis in mice. However, the exact mechanism remained elusive. We found that 1-NP induced telomere damage and cellular senescence in mice lungs, and two alveolar epithelial cells lines. 1-NP downregulated telomere repeat binding factor 2 (TRF2), and upregulated FBXW7. Mechanistically, 1-NP-caused TRF2 ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation depended on E3 ubiquitin ligase activity of FBXW7. Moreover, 1-NP upregulated FBXW7 m6A modification via an ALKBH5-YTHDF1-dependent manner. Further analysis suggested 1-NP promoted ALKBH5 SUMOylation and subsequent proteasomal degradation. Additionally, 1-NP evoked mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) overproduction. Mito-TEMPO, a mitochondrial-targeted antioxidant, mitigated 1-NP-caused mtROS overproduction, ALKBH5 SUMOylation, FBXW7 m6A modification, TRF2 degradation, cellular senescence, and pulmonary fibrosis. Taken together, mtROS-initiated ALKBH5 SUMOylation and subsequent FBXW7 m6A modification is indispensable for TRF2 degradation and cellular senescence in alveolar epithelial cells during 1-NP-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Our study provides target intervention measures towards 1-NP-evoked pulmonary fibrosis. Environmental Implication 1-nitropyrene (1-NP) is a representative of nitro polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compound that can be formed during the insufficient combustion of organic substances like coal, oil, gas, and tobacco. Moreover, mounting researches have revealed that 1-NP can cause various respiratory system diseases, inclusive of acute lung injury, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and allergic asthma. The current research provides evidence that exposure to 1-NP induces pulmonary fibrosis through evoking telomere damage and cellular senescenc. What’s more, Mito-TEMPO, a mitochondrial-targeted antioxidant, can mitigate 1-NP-caused cellular senescence and pulmonary fibrosis. Our study provides target intervention measures towards 1-NP-evoked pulmonary fibrosis.