USP15 negatively regulates Nrf2 through Deubiquitination of Keap1

Nicole F. Villeneuve, Wang Tian, Tongde Wu, Zheng Sun, Alexandria Lau, Eli Chapman, Deyu Fang, Donna D. Zhang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

74 Scopus citations

Abstract

Nrf2 is a master regulator of the antioxidant response. Under basal conditions, Nrf2 is polyubiquitinated by the Keap1-Cul3 E3 ligase and degraded by the 26S proteasome. In response to Nrf2 inducers there is a switch in polyubiquitination from Nrf2 to Keap1. Currently, regulation of the Nrf2-Keap1 pathway by ubiquitination is largely understood. However, the mechanism responsible for removal of ubiquitin conjugated to Nrf2 or Keap1 remains unknown. Here we report that the deubiquitinating enzyme, USP15, specifically deubiquitinates Keap1, which suppresses the Nrf2 pathway. We demonstrated that deubiquitinated Keap1 incorporates into the Keap1-Cul3-E3 ligase complex more efficiently, enhancing the complex stability and enzymatic activity. Consequently, there is an increase in Nrf2 protein degradation and a reduction in Nrf2 target gene expression. Furthermore, USP15-siRNA enhances chemoresistance of cells through upregulation of Nrf2. These findings further our understanding of how the Nrf2-Keap1 pathway is regulated, which is imperative in targeting this pathway for chemoprevention or chemotherapy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)68-79
Number of pages12
JournalMolecular cell
Volume51
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 11 2013

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'USP15 negatively regulates Nrf2 through Deubiquitination of Keap1'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this