Human MUC1 carcinoma antigen regulates intracellular oxidant levels and the apoptotic response to oxidative stress

The DF3/MUC1 transmembrane oncoprotein is aberrantly overexpressed by most human carcinomas. Certain insights are available regarding a role for MUC1 in intracellular signaling; however, no precise function has been ascribed to this molecule. The present results demonstrate that MUC1 expression is up-regulated by oxidative stress and that this response is mediated by activation of MUC1 gene transcription. A role for MUC1 in the oxidative stress response is supported by the demonstration that MUC1 expression is associated with attenuation of endogenous and H2O2-induced intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). MUC1-dependent regulation of ROS is mediated at least in part by up-regulation of anti-oxidant enzyme ( superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) expression. In concert with these findings, we show that the apoptotic response to oxidative stress is attenuated by a MUC1-dependent mechanism. These results support a model in which activation of MUC1 by oxidative stress provides a protective function against increased intracellular oxidant levels and ROS-induced apoptosis.