Transcriptional redirection of activated SKN-1/NRF2 abates the negative metabolic outcomes of a perceived pathogen infection
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ABSTRACT: Optimal health requires perpetual transcriptional fidelity of gene expression. SKN-1/NRF2 is a cytoprotective transcription factor in C. elegans that regulates the expression of cellular defenses during stress, including: nutrient deprivation, redox imbalance, and xenobiotic and pathogen exposure. Constitutive activation of SKN-1 results in pleiotropic outcomes, including shortened lifespan and protective redistribution of somatic fat to the germline. We measured lipid distribution between the soma and germ tissues after manipulation of SKN-1 activity. Modulating the epigenetic landscape refines SKN-1 activity away from innate immunity targets and alleviates negative metabolic outcomes. Similarly, paraquat exposure redirects SKN-1 activity toward oxidative stress responses and away from pathogen response genes, which restores lipid distribution across tissues. Lastly, activating p38 MAPK signaling is sufficient to drive SKN-1-dependent loss of somatic fat. These data reveal a coordination of organismal metabolic homeostasis with pathogen responses and identifies mechanisms for counteracting the pleiotropic consequences of aberrant transcriptional activity.
ORGANISM(S): Caenorhabditis elegans
PROVIDER: GSE123531 | GEO | 2019/10/15
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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