Reactive Oxygen Species-Dependent Down-Regulation of Tumor Suppressor Genes PTEN, USP28, DRAM, TIGAR, and CYLD Under Oxidative Stress

We examined whether steady-state mRNA levels of five tumor suppressor genes are subjected to oxidative stress. Superoxide radical-generating menadione and serum deprivation diminished the steady-state mRNA levels for the genes phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), ubiquitin specific peptidase 28 (USP28), damage-regulated autophagy modulator (DRAM), TP53-induced glycolysis and apoptosis regulator (TIGAR), and cylindromatosis (CYLD). Hydrogen peroxide showed suppression in steady-state mRNA levels for USP28, DRAM, TIGAR, and CYLD but not for PTEN. The steady-state mRNA levels specific for all five genes were enhanced by antioxidants, such as glutathione and N-acetylcysteine. The HepG2 stable transfectants overexpressing the mitochondrial isoform of human glutaredoxin, Grx2a, and containing a relatively low reactive oxygen species (ROS) level were assessed to contain the increased steady-state mRNA levels specific for the five tumor suppressor genes. In brief, the steady-state mRNA levels specific for these genes are negatively regulated by oxidative stress through the mediation of ROS.