TRIM16 protects from OGD/R-induced oxidative stress in cultured hippocampal neurons by enhancing Nrf2/ARE antioxidant signaling via downregulation of Keap1

Tripartite motif 16 (TRIM16) has emerged as a novel oxidative stress-responsive protein that confers cytoprotective effects by reinforcing the cellular antioxidant system. However, whether TRIM16 is involved in regulating oxidative stress during cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury remains unclear. In the present study, we aimed to explore the potential function and molecular mechanism of TRIM16 in regulating oxidative stress in neurons induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) in vitro. Here, we found that OGD/R exposure resulted in a significant induction of TRIM16 expression in neurons. Depletion of TRIM16 by siRNA-mediated gene knockdown markedly upregulated the sensitivity of neurons to OGD/R-induced apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Notably, upregulation of TRIM16 expression significantly alleviated OGD/R-induced apoptosis and ROS generation in neurons. Moreover, TRIM16 overexpression markedly increased nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression and enhanced Nrf2/antioxidant response element (ARE) activation associated with downregulation of kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) expression. Restoration of Keap1 significantly reversed the TRIM16-mediated promotion effect on Nrf2/ARE activation. In addition, knockdown of Nrf2 also markedly abrogated the TRIM16-conferred neuroprotective effect in OGD/R-exposed neurons. Taken together, our results of our study demonstrate that induction of TRIM16 confers a cytoprotective effect in OGD/R-exposed neurons through enhancement of Nrf2/ARE antioxidant signaling via downregulation of Keap1. These findings suggest that TRIM16 may play a critical role in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury and serve as a promising target for neuroprotection.