title: NF-kappaB and AP-1 are key signaling pathways in the modulation of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 gene by mercury, lead, and copper.
abstract: We have previously shown that Hg(2+), Pb(2+), and Cu(2+), significantly modulate the expression of NAD(P):quinone oxidoreductase 1 (Nqo1) in Hepa 1c1c7 cells through oxidative stress-dependent mechanisms. In the current study, we examined the role of redox-sensitive transcription factors, NF-kappaB and AP-1 signaling pathways in the modulation of Nqo1 by heavy metals. Our results show that the depletion of cellular GSH using L-buthionine-(S,R)-sulfoximine further potentiated the heavy metal-mediated induction of Nqo1 at the mRNA and activity levels. The NF-kappaB activator, PMA, significantly abolished the metal-mediated effects on Nqo1 mRNA and activity. In parallel, the NF-kappaB inhibitor, PDTC, further potentiated the Pb(2+)- and Hg(2+)-mediated induction of Nqo1 mRNA and activity levels, respectively. Inhibition of AP-1 upstream signaling pathway such as JNK by SP600125 significantly suppressed heavy metal-mediated induction of Nqo1 mRNA and activity levels. In contrast, inhibition of ERK by U0126 further potentiated heavy metal-mediated effects on Nqo1 mRNA, while only potentiated Hg(2+)-mediated induction of Nqo1 activity. Furthermore, p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB203580 further potentiated Pb(2+)- and Cu(2+)-mediated effects at the mRNA levels, whereas did not alter the activity levels. These results clearly demonstrate that activation of NF-kappaB negatively regulates the expression of Nqo1 by heavy metals, whereas AP-1 signaling pathways differentially modulates the heavy metal-mediated effects.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2N8.
authors.forename: Hesham M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Korashy
authors.forename: Ayman O S
authors.initials: AO
authors.lastname: El-Kadi