First Author | Chan K | Year | 1999 |
Journal | Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A | Volume | 96 |
Issue | 22 | Pages | 12731-6 |
PubMed ID | 10535991 | Mgi Jnum | J:112943 |
Mgi Id | MGI:3664012 | Doi | 10.1073/pnas.96.22.12731 |
Citation | Chan K, et al. (1999) Nrf2 is essential for protection against acute pulmonary injury in mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 96(22):12731-6 |
abstractText | Nrf2 is a member of the 'cap 'n' collar' family of transcription factors. These transcription factors bind to the NF-E2 binding sites (GCTGAGTCA) that are essential for the regulation of erythroid-specific genes. Nrf2 is expressed in a wide range of tissues, many of which are sites of expression for phase 2 detoxification genes. Nrf2(-/-) mice are viable and have a normal phenotype under normal laboratory conditions. The NF-E2 binding site is a subset of the antioxidant response elements that have the sequence GCNNNGTCA. The antioxidant response elements are regulatory sequences found on promoters of several phase 2 detoxification genes that are inducible by xenobiotics and antioxidants. We report here that Nrf2(-/-) mice are extremely susceptible to the administration of the antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene. With doses of butylated hydroxytoluene that are tolerated by wild-type mice, the Nrf2(-/-) mice succumb from acute respiratory distress syndrome. Gene expression studies show that the expression of several detoxification enzymes is altered in the Nrf2(-/-) mice. The Nrf2(-/-) mice may prove to be a good in vivo model for toxicological studies. As oxidative damage causes DNA breakage, these mice may also be useful for testing carcinogenic agents. |