Research
Cross-talk between the Keap1-Nrf2 and Notch signaling in liver
The Keap1-Nrf2-ARE gene expression system is the central stress defense/adaptive response signaling pathway in cells. While the pathway is ubiquitous, there are cell-specific effects in each tissue, mediated in part through interactions with other signaling networks. We have begun to identify the cross-talk signals based on “health maintenance” in liver and digestive organs. Notch-Nrf2 cross-talk has been identified from phenotype observations in postnatal hepatic development among various genetically engineered mice. Notch1, which is the major Notch product expressed in hepatocytes, drives expression of the Nrf2-ARE directly. Nrf2-disrupted mice show slower recovery in the early regenerative phase following partial hepatectomy. Furthermore, it has been understood that hepato-cholangiogenesis in postnatal liver growth is mediated by coordinated gene expression through Notch-Nrf2 cross-talk. In cholangiocytes, the Notch intracellular domain might contribute to expression of Nrf2. We are evaluating which genes are major contributors to the cell-specific phenotypes affected by this cross-talk pathway and are elucidating the regulatory details underlying this signaling mechanism.
Nrf2 signaling and enterogenensis: Math1 regulation in small intestine
Notch signaling coordinates cell differentiation processes in the intestinal epithelium. We have demonstrated that Nrf2 orchestrates the defense mechanisms by regulating cellular redox homeostasis in murine liver, which can be amplified through signaling crosstalk with the Notch pathway. We have further broadened our focus to the gut, investigating interplay between these two signaling pathways. Recently we have reported that constitutive activation of Nrf2 enhanced enterogenesis in the small intestine, where Nrf2 perturbed the dialog of the Notch cascade though negative regulation of Math1, the Notch downstream effector, which regulates a differentiation balance of cell lineage, in progenitor cells. The crosstalk between the Nrf2 and Notch pathways could be critical for fine-tuning intestinal homeostasis and point to new approaches for the pharmacological management of absorptive deficiencies.
Chemoprevention Trials with Nrf2 Inducers
The Keap1-Nrf2 pathway can be induced by thiol-reactive small molecules including dithiolethiones (e.g., oltipraz), isothiocyanates (e.g., sulforaphane) and triterpenoids (e.g., CDDO-Im) that demonstrate protective efficacy in preclinical cancer chemoprevention models. We have conducted a series of clinical trials in Qidong, China, a region where exposures to food- and air-borne carcinogens has been considerable, to evaluate the suitability of broccoli sprout beverages, rich in either sulforaphane or glucoraphanin (its biogenic precursor) or both for their bioavailability, tolerability and pharmacodynamic action in population-based interventions. Well characterized preparations of broccoli sprouts rapidly and persistently enhance the detoxication of air-borne toxins, which may in turn attenuate their associated health risks, including cancer, in exposed individuals. We continue to optimize dose, formulation and biomarkers of pharmacodynamic action.
Hutch News- July 19, 2021
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