Aging is characterized by increased oxidation and reduced efficiency of cytoprotective mechanisms. Nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor (Nrf2) is a key transcription factor, controlling the expression of multiple antioxidant proteins. Here, we show that Nrf2−/− mice displayed an age-dependent anemia, due to the combined contributions of reduced red cell lifespan and ineffective erythropoiesis, suggesting a role of Nrf2 in erythroid biology during aging. Mechanistically, we found that the expression of antioxidants during aging is mediated by activation of Nrf2 function by peroxiredoxin-2. The absence of Nrf2 resulted in persistent oxidation and overactivation of adaptive systems such as the unfolded protein response (UPR) system and autophagy in Nrf2−/− mouse erythroblasts. As Nrf2 is involved in the expression of autophagy-related proteins such as autophagyrelated protein (Atg) 4-5 and p62, we found impairment of late phase of autophagy in Nrf2−/− mouse erythroblasts. The overactivation of the UPR system and impaired autophagy drove apoptosis of Nrf2−/− mouse erythroblasts via caspase-3 activation. As a proof of concept for the role of oxidation, we treated Nrf2−/− mice with astaxanthin, an antioxidant, in the form of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-loaded nanoparticles (ATS-NPs) to improve its bioavailability. ATS-NPs ameliorated the age-dependent anemia and decreased ineffective erythropoiesis in Nrf2−/− mice. In summary, we propose that Nrf2 plays a key role in limiting age-related oxidation, ensuring erythroid maturation and growth during aging.

Nrf2 Plays a Key Role in Erythropoiesis during Aging

Mbiandjeu, Serge Cedrick Toya;Siciliano, Angela;Federti, Enrica;Perduca, Massimiliano;Melisi, Davide;Valenti, Maria Teresa;Riccardi, Veronica;Dalle Carbonare, Luca;De Franceschi, Lucia
2024-01-01

Abstract

Aging is characterized by increased oxidation and reduced efficiency of cytoprotective mechanisms. Nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor (Nrf2) is a key transcription factor, controlling the expression of multiple antioxidant proteins. Here, we show that Nrf2−/− mice displayed an age-dependent anemia, due to the combined contributions of reduced red cell lifespan and ineffective erythropoiesis, suggesting a role of Nrf2 in erythroid biology during aging. Mechanistically, we found that the expression of antioxidants during aging is mediated by activation of Nrf2 function by peroxiredoxin-2. The absence of Nrf2 resulted in persistent oxidation and overactivation of adaptive systems such as the unfolded protein response (UPR) system and autophagy in Nrf2−/− mouse erythroblasts. As Nrf2 is involved in the expression of autophagy-related proteins such as autophagyrelated protein (Atg) 4-5 and p62, we found impairment of late phase of autophagy in Nrf2−/− mouse erythroblasts. The overactivation of the UPR system and impaired autophagy drove apoptosis of Nrf2−/− mouse erythroblasts via caspase-3 activation. As a proof of concept for the role of oxidation, we treated Nrf2−/− mice with astaxanthin, an antioxidant, in the form of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-loaded nanoparticles (ATS-NPs) to improve its bioavailability. ATS-NPs ameliorated the age-dependent anemia and decreased ineffective erythropoiesis in Nrf2−/− mice. In summary, we propose that Nrf2 plays a key role in limiting age-related oxidation, ensuring erythroid maturation and growth during aging.
2024
oxidation, astaxanthin, nanoparticles, PLGA, red cells, UPR system, autophagy, ATF6, GADD34, ineffective erythropoiesis
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11562/1124466
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