NRF3 upregulates gene expression in SREBP2-dependent mevalonate pathway with cholesterol uptake and lipogenesis inhibition.

ABSTRACT: Lipids, such as cholesterol and fatty acids, influence cell signaling, energy storage, and membrane formation. Cholesterol is biosynthesized through the mevalonate pathway, and aberrant metabolism causes metabolic diseases. The genetic association of a transcription factor NRF3 with obesity has been suggested, although the molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we show that NRF3 upregulates gene expression in SREBP2-dependent mevalonate pathway. We further reveal that NRF3 overexpression not only reduces lanosterol, a cholesterol precursor, but also induces the expression of the GGPS1 gene encoding an enzyme in the production of GGPP from farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP), a lanosterol precursor. NRF3 overexpression also enhances cholesterol uptake through RAB5-mediated macropinocyto

SUBMITTER: Waku T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8506969 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature