miR-200a regulates Nrf2 activation by targeting Keap1 mRNA in breast cancer cells

J Biol Chem. 2011 Nov 25;286(47):40725-33. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M111.275495. Epub 2011 Sep 16.

Abstract

NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is an important transcription factor that activates the expression of cellular detoxifying enzymes. Nrf2 expression is largely regulated through the association of Nrf2 with Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), which results in cytoplasmic Nrf2 degradation. Conversely, little is known concerning the regulation of Keap1 expression. Until now, a regulatory role for microRNAs (miRs) in controlling Keap1 gene expression had not been characterized. By using miR array-based screening, we observed miR-200a silencing in breast cancer cells and demonstrated that upon re-expression, miR-200a targets the Keap1 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR), leading to Keap1 mRNA degradation. Loss of this regulatory mechanism may contribute to the dysregulation of Nrf2 activity in breast cancer. Previously, we have identified epigenetic repression of miR-200a in breast cancer cells. Here, we find that treatment with epigenetic therapy, the histone deacetylase inhibitor suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid, restored miR-200a expression and reduced Keap1 levels. This reduction in Keap1 levels corresponded with Nrf2 nuclear translocation and activation of Nrf2-dependent NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) gene transcription. Moreover, we found that Nrf2 activation inhibited the anchorage-independent growth of breast cancer cells. Finally, our in vitro observations were confirmed in a model of carcinogen-induced mammary hyperplasia in vivo. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that miR-200a regulates the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway in mammary epithelium, and we find that epigenetic therapy can restore miR-200a regulation of Keap1 expression, therefore reactivating the Nrf2-dependent antioxidant pathway in breast cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 3' Untranslated Regions / genetics
  • Active Transport, Cell Nucleus / drug effects
  • Active Transport, Cell Nucleus / genetics
  • Antioxidants / metabolism
  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Nucleus / drug effects
  • Cell Nucleus / metabolism
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / drug effects
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / genetics
  • Gene Silencing
  • Humans
  • Hydroxamic Acids / pharmacology
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / genetics*
  • Kelch-Like ECH-Associated Protein 1
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism*
  • NF-E2-Related Factor 2 / metabolism*
  • RNA Stability / drug effects
  • RNA Stability / genetics
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Signal Transduction / genetics
  • Vorinostat

Substances

  • 3' Untranslated Regions
  • Antioxidants
  • Hydroxamic Acids
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • KEAP1 protein, human
  • Kelch-Like ECH-Associated Protein 1
  • MIRN200 microRNA, human
  • MicroRNAs
  • NF-E2-Related Factor 2
  • Vorinostat