Activation of the FOXM1/ASF1B/PRDX3 axis confers hyperproliferative and antioxidative stress reactivity to gastric cancer.

Nucleosome assembly during DNA replication is dependent on histone chaperones. Recent studies suggest that dysregulated histone chaperones contribute to cancer progression, including gastric cancer (GC). Further studies are required to explore the prognostic and therapeutic implications of histone chaperones and their mechanisms of action in GC progression. Here we identified histone chaperone ASF1B as a potential biomarker for GC proliferation and prognosis. ASF1B was significantly upregulated in GC, which was associated with poor prognosis. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that the inhibition of ASF1B suppressed the malignant characteristics of GC, while overexpression of ASF1B had the opposite effect. Mechanistically, transcription factor FOXM1 directly bound to the ASF1B-promoter region, thereby regulating its transcription. Treatment with thiostrepton, a FOXM1 inhibitor, not only suppressed ASF1B expression, but also inhibited GC progression. Furthermore, ASF1B regulated the mitochondrial protein peroxiredoxin 3 (PRDX3) transcription in a FOXM1-dependent manner. The crucial role of ASF1B-regulated PRDX3 in GC cell proliferation and oxidative stress balance was also elucidated. In summary, our study suggests that the FOXM1-ASF1B-PRDX3 axis is a potential therapeutic target for treating GC.

Dexmedetomidine alleviates Hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in cardiomyocytes via activation of Sirt3/Prdx3 pathway.

BACKGROUND: Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MIRI) seriously threatens the health of people. The mitochondrial dysfunction in cardiomyocytes can promote the progression of MIRI. Dexmedetomidine (Dex) could alleviate the myocardial injury, which was known to reverse mitochondrial dysfunction in lung injury. However, the function of Dex in mitochondrial dysfunction during MIRI remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To assess the function of Dex in mitochondrial dysfunction during MIRI. METHODS: To investigate the function of Dex in MIRI, H9C2 cells were placed in condition of hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R). CCK8 assay was performed to test the cell viability, and the mitochondrial membrane potential was evaluated by JC-1 staining. In addition, the binding relationship between Sirt3 and Prdx3 was explored by Co-IP assay. Furthermore, the protein expressions were examined using western blot. RESULTS: Dex could abolish H/R-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in H9C2 cells. In addition, H/R treatment significantly inhibited the expression of Sirt3, while Dex partially restored this phenomenon. Knockdown of Sirt3 or Prdx3 obviously reduced the protective effect of Dex on H/R-induced mitochondrial injury. Meanwhile, Sirt3 could enhance the function of Prdx3 via deacetylation of Prdx3. CONCLUSION: Dex was found to attenuate H/R-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in cardiomyocytes via activation of Sirt3/Prdx3 pathway. Thus, this study might shed new lights on exploring new strategies for the treatment of MIRI.

Identification of hyperoxidized PRDX3 as a ferroptosis marker reveals ferroptotic damage in chronic liver diseases.

Ferroptosis, a regulated cell death pathway driven by accumulation of phospholipid peroxides, has been challenging to identify in physiological conditions owing to the lack of a specific marker. Here, we identify hyperoxidized peroxiredoxin 3 (PRDX3) as a marker for ferroptosis both in vitro and in vivo. During ferroptosis, mitochondrial lipid peroxides trigger PRDX3 hyperoxidation, a posttranslational modification that converts a Cys thiol to sulfinic or sulfonic acid. Once hyperoxidized, PRDX3 translocates from mitochondria to plasma membranes, where it inhibits cystine uptake, thereby causing ferroptosis. Applying hyperoxidized PRDX3 as a marker, we determined that ferroptosis is responsible for death of hepatocytes in mouse models of both alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases, the most prevalent chronic liver disorders. Our study highlights the importance of ferroptosis in pathophysiological conditions and opens the possibility to treat these liver diseases with drugs that inhibit ferroptosis.

Regulation of peroxiredoxin-3 gene expression under basal and hyperglycemic conditions: Key roles for transcription factors Sp1, CREB and NF-κB.

Peroxiredoxin-3 (Prx-3), a thioredoxin-dependent peroxidase located exclusively in the mitochondrial matrix, catalyses peroxides/peroxinitrites. Altered levels of Prx-3 is associated with diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). However, molecular mechanisms of Prx-3 gene regulation remain partially understood. We undertook a systemic analysis of the Prx-3 gene to identify the key motifs and transcriptional regulatory molecules. Transfection of promoter-reporter constructs in the cultured cells identified -191/+20 bp domain as the core promoter region. Stringent in silico analysis of this core promoter revealed putative binding sites for specificity protein 1 (Sp1), cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB). Interestingly, while co-transfection of the -191/+20 bp construct with Sp1/CREB plasmid diminished Prx3 promoter-reporter activity, mRNA and protein levels, co-transfection with NF-κB expression plasmid augmented the same. Consistently, inhibition of Sp1/CREB/NF-κB expression reversed the promoter-reporter activity, mRNA and protein levels of Prx-3, thereby confirming their regulatory effects. ChIP assays provided evidence for interactions of Sp1/CREB/NF-κB with the Prx-3 promoter. H9c2 cells treated with high glucose as well as streptozotocin (STZ)-treated diabetic rats showed time-dependent reduction in promoter activity, endogenous transcript and protein levels of Prx-3. Augmentation of Sp1/CREB protein levels and their strong binding with Prx-3 promoter are responsible for diminished Prx-3 levels under hyperglycemia. The activation/increase in the NF-κB expression under hyperglycemia was not sufficient to restore the reduction of endogenous Prx-3 levels owing to its weak binding affinity. Taken together, this study elucidates the previously unknown roles of Sp1/CREB/NF-κB in regulating Prx-3 gene expression under hyperglycemic condition.

A novel biallelic variant further delineates PRDX3-related autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxia.

Cerebellar ataxias (CAs) comprise a rare group of neurological disorders characterized by extensive phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity. In the last several years, our understanding of the CA etiology has increased significantly and resulted in the discoveries of numerous ataxia-associated genes. Herein, we describe a single affected individual from a consanguineous family segregating a recessive neurodevelopmental disorder. The proband showed features such as global developmental delay, cerebellar atrophy, hypotonia, speech issues, dystonia, and profound hearing impairment. Whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing revealed a biallelic nonsense variant (c.496A > T; p.Lys166*) in the exon 5 of the PRDX3 gene that segregated perfectly within the family. This is the third report that associates the PRDX3 gene variant with cerebellar ataxia. In addition, associated hearing impairment further delineates the PRDX3 associated gene phenotypes.

p53 drives necroptosis via downregulation of sulfiredoxin and peroxiredoxin 3.

Mitochondrial dysfunction is a key contributor to necroptosis. We have investigated the contribution of p53, sulfiredoxin, and mitochondrial peroxiredoxin 3 to necroptosis in acute pancreatitis. Late during the course of pancreatitis, p53 was localized in mitochondria of pancreatic cells undergoing necroptosis. In mice lacking p53, necroptosis was absent, and levels of PGC-1α, peroxiredoxin 3 and sulfiredoxin were upregulated. During the early stage of pancreatitis, prior to necroptosis, sulfiredoxin was upregulated and localized into mitochondria. In mice lacking sulfiredoxin with pancreatitis, peroxiredoxin 3 was hyperoxidized, p53 localized in mitochondria, and necroptosis occurred faster; which was prevented by Mito-TEMPO. In obese mice, necroptosis occurred in pancreas and adipose tissue. The lack of p53 up-regulated sulfiredoxin and abrogated necroptosis in pancreas and adipose tissue from obese mice. We describe here a positive feedback between mitochondrial H2O2 and p53 that downregulates sulfiredoxin and peroxiredoxin 3 leading to necroptosis in inflammation and obesity.

The m6A reader YTHDF3-mediated PRDX3 translation alleviates liver fibrosis.

Peroxiredoxin 3 (PRDX3) acts as a master regulator of mitochondrial oxidative stress and exerts hepatoprotective effects, but the role of PRDX3 in liver fibrosis is not well understood. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is considered the most prevalent posttranscriptional modification of mRNA. This study aimed to elucidate the effect of PRDX3 on liver fibrosis and the potential mechanism through which the m6A modification regulates PRDX3. PRDX3 expression was found to be negatively correlated with liver fibrosis in both animal models and clinical specimens from patients. We performed adeno-associated virus 9 (AAV9)-PRDX3 knockdown and AAV9-PRDX3 HSC-specific overexpression in mice to clarify the role of PRDX3 in liver fibrosis. PRDX3 silencing exacerbated hepatic fibrogenesis and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation, whereas HSC-specific PRDX3 overexpression attenuated liver fibrosis. Mechanistically, PRDX3 suppressed HSC activation at least partially via the mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS)/TGF-ß1/Smad2/3 pathway. Furthermore, PRDX3 mRNA was modified by m6A and interacted with the m6A readers YTH domain family proteins 1-3 (YTHDF1-3), as evidenced by RNA pull-down/mass spectrometry. More importantly, PRDX3 expression was suppressed when YTHDF3, but not YTHDF1/2, was knocked down. Moreover, PRDX3 translation was directly regulated by YTHDF3 in an m6A-dependent manner and thereby affected its function in liver fibrosis. Collectively, the results indicate that PRDX3 is a crucial regulator of liver fibrosis and that targeting the YTHDF3/PRDX3 axis in HSCs may be a promising therapeutic approach for liver fibrosis.

Silencing of B7-H4 induces intracellular oxidative stress and inhibits cell viability of breast cancer cells via downregulating PRDX3.

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy in women worldwide, accounting for 15.5% of total cancer deaths. B7-H4 belongs to the B7 family members and plays an important role in the development of a variety of cancers, while Peroxiredoxin III (PRDX3) is an antioxidant protein found in mitochondria. Aberrant expression of B7-H4 or PRDX3 has been implicated in the tumorigenesis of various cancers. However, the functional roles of B7-H4 and PRDX3 in BC and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this research, we found that silencing of B7-H4 by siRNA could lead to not only cell viability inhibition but also the downregulation of PRDX3 in MCF-7 and T47D cells. In order to reveal the roles of PRDX3 in the B7-H4 pathway, we firstly transfected siRNA specifically targeting PRDX3 into MCF-7 and T47D cells, and the results showed that silencing of PRDX3 also inhibited the viability of MCF-7 and T47D cells significantly, accompanied by the increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Then we overexpressed the expression of PRDX3 by transfecting PRDX3 expression plasmids into B7-H4 knocking-down cells of MCF-7 and T47D. The results showed that compared with the control groups (MCF-7 or T47D/siNC+pcDNA3.1 vector), cell viabilities were significantly inhibited in RNAi groups (MCF-7 or T47D/siB7-H4+pcDNA3.1 vector), and mildly inhibited in revertant groups (MCF-7 or T47D/siB7-H4+pcDNA3.1 PRDX3), meanwhile, ROS levels significantly elevated in RNAi groups and had no significant changes in revertant groups. All these results indicate that silencing of B7-H4 increases intracellular ROS levels and affects cell viability by modulating the expression of PRDX3 in BC cells, which may provide a potential strategy and therapeutic target for the treatment of BC.

Protein misfolding and clearance in the pathogenesis of a new infantile onset ataxia caused by mutations in PRDX3.

Peroxiredoxin 3 (PRDX3) encodes a mitochondrial antioxidant protein, which is essential for the control of reactive oxygen species homeostasis. So far, PRDX3 mutations are involved in mild-to-moderate progressive juvenile onset cerebellar ataxia. We aimed to unravel the molecular bases underlying the disease in an infant suffering from cerebellar ataxia that started at 19 months old and presented severe cerebellar atrophy and peripheral neuropathy early in the course of disease. By whole exome sequencing, we identified a novel homozygous mutation, PRDX3 p.D163E, which impaired the mitochondrial ROS defense system. In mouse primary cortical neurons, the exogenous expression of PRDX3 p.D163E was reduced and triggered alterations in neurite morphology and in mitochondria. Mitochondrial computational parameters showed that p.D163E led to serious mitochondrial alterations. In transfected HeLa cells expressing the mutation, mitochondria accumulation was detected by correlative light electron microscopy. Mitochondrial morphology showed severe changes, including extremely damaged outer and inner membranes with a notable cristae disorganization. Moreover, spherical structures compatible with lipid droplets were identified, which can be associated with a generalized response to stress and can be involved in the removal of unfolded proteins. In the patient's fibroblasts, PRDX3 expression was nearly absent. The biochemical analysis suggested that the mutation p.D163E would result in an unstable structure tending to form aggregates that trigger unfolded protein responses via mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum. Altogether, our findings broaden the clinical spectrum of the recently described PRDX3-associated neurodegeneration and provide new insight into the pathological mechanisms underlying this new form of cerebellar ataxia.

A quantitative proteomic analysis reveals the potential roles of PRDX3 in neurite outgrowth in N2a-APPswe cells.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles accompanied by progressive neurite loss. Mitochondria play pivotal roles in AD development. PRDX3 is a mitochondrial peroxide reductase critical for H2O2 scavenging and signal transduction. In this study, we found that PRDX3 knockdown (KD) in the N2a-APPswe cell line promoted retinoic acid (RA)-induced neurite outgrowth but did not reduce the viability of cells damaged by tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP). We found that knocking down PRDX3 expression induced dysregulation of more than one hundred proteins, as determined by tandem mass tag (TMT)-labeled proteomics. A Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed that the dysregulated proteins were enriched in protein localization to the plasma membrane, the lipid catabolic process, and intermediate filament cytoskeleton organization. A STRING analysis showed close protein-protein interactions among dysregulated proteins. The expression of Annexin A1 (ANXA1), serine (Ser)-/threonine (Thr)-protein phosphatase 2A catalytic subunit alpha isoform (PP2A) and glutathione S-transferase Mu 2 (GSTM2) was significantly upregulated in PRDX3-KD N2a-APPswe cell lines, as verified by western blotting. Our study revealed, for the first time, that PRDX3 may play important roles in neurite outgrowth and AD development.

Peroxiredoxin 3 deficiency induces cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction by impaired mitochondrial quality control.

Mitochondrial quality control (MQC) consists of multiple processes: the prevention of mitochondrial oxidative damage, the elimination of damaged mitochondria via mitophagy and mitochondrial fusion and fission. Several studies proved that MQC impairment causes a plethora of pathological conditions including cardiovascular diseases. However, the precise molecular mechanism by which MQC reverses mitochondrial dysfunction, especially in the heart, is unclear. The mitochondria-specific peroxidase Peroxiredoxin 3 (Prdx3) plays a protective role against mitochondrial dysfunction by removing mitochondrial reactive oxygen species. Therefore, we investigated whether Prdx3-deficiency directly leads to heart failure via mitochondrial dysfunction. Fifty-two-week-old Prdx3-deficient mice exhibited cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction with giant and damaged mitochondria. Mitophagy was markedly suppressed in the hearts of Prdx3-deficient mice compared to the findings in wild-type and Pink1-deficient mice despite the increased mitochondrial damage induced by Prdx3 deficiency. Under conditions inducing mitophagy, we identified that the damaged mitochondrial accumulation of PINK1 was completely inhibited by the ablation of Prdx3. We propose that Prdx3 interacts with the N-terminus of PINK1, thereby protecting PINK1 from proteolytic cleavage in damaged mitochondria undergoing mitophagy. Our results provide evidence of a direct association between MQC dysfunction and cardiac function. The dual function of Prdx3 in mitophagy regulation and mitochondrial oxidative stress elimination further clarifies the mechanism of MQC in vivo and thereby provides new insights into developing a therapeutic strategy for mitochondria-related cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure.

PRDX3 promotes resistance to cisplatin in gastric cancer cells.

Objective: This study aims to investigate peroxiredoxin 3 (PRDX3) expression in gastric cancer tissue and its effects on cisplatin resistance in gastric cancer cells and its possible mechanism. Methods: PRDX3 expression in human gastric cancer tissue microarrays was detected via immunohistochemistry. The PRDX3 small interfering RNA (siPRDX3 group) and the negative control siNC (siNC group) were transfected into AGS and MKN-74 cell lines, respectively, whereas a blank control group was set up. Each group was treated with different cisplatin concentrations (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 µg/ml), and the half-inhibitory concentration (IC50) of each group of the two cell lines was calculated using the CCK8 assay. The corresponding IC50 concentration of the siPRDX3 group in the two cell lines was used to treat cells of each group. Flow cytometry was used to detect cell apoptosis, and Western blotting was used to detect the expression levels of cleaved caspase-3 and Bax in each group. Results: PRDX3 was overexpressed in gastric adenocarcinoma tissue compared with adjacent noncancer tissue (P = 0.0053). After cisplatin treatment, the IC50 in the siPRDX3 group of AGS cells (5.91 ± 0.18 µg/ml) and the siPRDX3 group of MKN-74 cells (3.48 ± 0.30 µg/ml) was significantly lower than in the corresponding siNC groups (10.01 ± 0.99 and 6.39 ± 0.70 µg/ml; P = 0.0022 and 0.0027, respectively). AGS cells (38.81% ± 1.69%) and MKN-74 cells (25.03% ± 2.80%) in the siPRDX3 group showed significantly higher apoptosis rates than in the corresponding siNC groups (23.17% ± 1.43% and 16.7% ± 1.39%; P = 0.0003 and 0.0099, respectively). The expression levels of cleaved caspase-3 and Bax were significantly higher in the siPRDX3 group of both cell lines than in the siNC group (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: PRDX3 increases the gastric cancer cell resistance to cisplatin by reducing apoptosis and thus may serve as a target to overcome cisplatin resistance.

LncRNA LUADT1 inhibits cell apoptosis in diabetic retinopathy by regulating miR-383/peroxiredoxin 3 axis.

This study aimed to investigate the involvement of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (LUADT1) LUADT1 in diabetic retinopathy (DR). We found LUADT1 may interact with miR-383 by RNA interaction prediction. QPCR analysis showed that lncRNA LUADT1 was downregulated, and miR-383 was upregulated in DR. However, correlation analysis revealed no significant correlation between them. In retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPEpiC, h1RPE7 from Sigma-Aldrich), overexpression of LUADT1 and miR-383 failed to affect the expression of each other. However, LUADT1 overexpression led to increased and miR-383 overexpression led to decreased expression level of peroxiredoxin 3 (PRX3). Cell apoptosis analysis showed that LUADT1 and PRX3 overexpression resulted in the decreased cell apoptosis. MiR-383 played an opposite role and reduced the effects of LUADT1 and PRX3 overexpression. Therefore, LUADT1 regulates PRX3 by serving as the endogenous sponge of miR-383 in DR to regulate cell apoptosis.

Confirmation of PRDX3 c.568G>C as the Genetic Basis of Punctiform and Polychromatic Pre-Descemet Corneal Dystrophy.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to report the results of screening peroxiredoxin 3 (PRDX3) and PDZ domain-containing protein 8 (PDZD8) in a previously unreported pedigree with punctiform and polychromatic pre-Descemet corneal dystrophy (PPPCD) to confirm that the PRDX3 mutation c.568G>C is the genetic basis of PPPCD. METHODS: Ophthalmologic examination of the proband and her affected father was performed with slit lamp biomicroscopy. Saliva was collected from the proband as a source of DNA, after which screening for PRDX3 and PDZD8 was performed. RESULTS: Slit lamp examination of the proband revealed polychromatic deposits diffusely distributed at the pre-Descemet level in both corneas and anterior subcapsular in the crystalline lens of both eyes. The proband's father also demonstrated diffuse pre-Descemetic polychromatic deposits in both eyes but no lenticular deposits. Screening of PRDX3 in the proband demonstrated the c.568G>C (p.Asp190His) variant previously associated with PPPCD and failed to identify any variants in PDZD8. CONCLUSIONS: We report the initial confirmation of PRDX3 as the genetic basis of PPPCD in a previously unreported pedigree and expand the phenotype of PPPCD to include polychromatic lenticular deposits.

Carnosol alleviates nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by inhibiting mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis through targeting of PRDX3.

Mitochondrial dysfunction is a major factor in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), preceding insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis. Carnosol (CAR) is a kind of diterpenoid with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antitumor activities. Peroxiredoxin 3 (PRDX3), a mitochondrial H2O2-eliminating enzyme, undergoes overoxidation and subsequent inactivation under oxidative stress. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effect of the natural phenolic compound CAR on NAFLD via PRDX3. Mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) and AML-12 cells treated with palmitic acid (PA) were used to detect the molecular mechanism of CAR in NAFLD. We found that pharmacological treatment with CAR notably moderated HFD- and PA- induced steatosis and liver injury, as shown by biochemical assays, Oil Red O and Nile Red staining. Further mechanistic investigations revealed that CAR exerted anti-NAFLD effects by inhibiting mitochondrial oxidative stress, perturbation of mitochondrial dynamics, and apoptosis in vivo and in vitro. The decreased protein and mRNA levels of PRDX3 were accompanied by intense oxidative stress after PA intervention. Interestingly, CAR specifically bound PRDX3, as shown by molecular docking assays, and increased the expression of PRDX3. However, the hepatoprotection of CAR in NAFLD was largely abolished by specific PRDX3 siRNA, which increased mitochondrial dysfunction and exacerbated apoptosis in vitro. In conclusion, CAR suppressed lipid accumulation, mitochondrial dysfunction and hepatocyte apoptosis by activating PRDX3, mitigating the progression of NAFLD, and thus, CAR may represent a promising candidate for clinical treatment of steatosis.

Peroxiredoxin 3 Inhibits Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Pyroptosis Through the Regulation of Mitochondrial ROS.

Pyroptosis is a newly discovered form of cell death. Peroxiredoxin 3 (PRX3) plays a crucial role in scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), but its hepatoprotective capacity in acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver disease remains unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the role of PRX3 in the regulation of pyroptosis during APAP-mediated hepatotoxicity. We demonstrated that pyroptosis occurs in APAP-induced liver injury accompanied by intense oxidative stress and inflammation, and liver specific PRX3 silencing aggravated the initiation of pyroptosis and liver injury after APAP intervention. Notably, excessive mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) was observed to trigger pyroptosis by activating the NLRP3 inflammasome, which was ameliorated by Mito-TEMPO treatment, indicating that the anti-pyroptotic role of PRX3 relies on its powerful ability to regulate mtROS. Overall, PRX3 regulates NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis in APAP-induced liver injury by targeting mitochondrial oxidative stress.

Hsa_circ_0032131 knockdown inhibits osteoarthritis progression via the miR-502-5p/PRDX3 axis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic disease characterized by progressive loss of cartilage and failure of the diarthrodial joint. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are known to participate in the pathogenesis of multiple diseases, including OA. We investigated the functions of hsa_circ_0032131, a circRNA upregulated in OA, using CHON-001 cells and an in vivo OA rat model. CHON-001 cells were treated with interleukin (IL)-1ß to mimic OA in vitro. IL-1ß-induced inhibition of CHON-001 growth was reversed by silencing hsa_circ_0032131. In addition, hsa_circ_0032131 knockdown reversed IL-1ß-induced activation of Trx1, Cyclin D and PRDX3, whereas overexpression of PRDX3, a direct target of miR-502-5p, reversed this effect. Hsa_circ_0032131 served as a competing endogenous RNA for miR-502-5p. Moreover, knockdown of hsa_circ_0032131 attenuated OA symptoms in vivo by inactivating the STAT3 signaling pathway. Thus, silencing of hsa_circ_0032131 inhibited the progression of OA by inactivating the miR-502-5p/PRDX3/Trx1/STAT3 axis, which highlights its potential as a therapeutic target for OA.

Biallelic loss-of-function variations in PRDX3 cause cerebellar ataxia.

Peroxiredoxin 3 (PRDX3) belongs to a superfamily of peroxidases that function as protective antioxidant enzymes. Among the six isoforms (PRDX1-PRDX6), PRDX3 is the only protein exclusively localized to the mitochondria, which are the main source of reactive oxygen species. Excessive levels of reactive oxygen species are harmful to cells, inducing mitochondrial dysfunction, DNA damage, lipid and protein oxidation and ultimately apoptosis. Neuronal cell damage induced by oxidative stress has been associated with numerous neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Leveraging the large aggregation of genomic ataxia datasets from the PREPARE (Preparing for Therapies in Autosomal Recessive Ataxias) network, we identified recessive mutations in PRDX3 as the genetic cause of cerebellar ataxia in five unrelated families, providing further evidence for oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration. The clinical presentation of individuals with PRDX3 mutations consists of mild-to-moderate progressive cerebellar ataxia with concomitant hyper- and hypokinetic movement disorders, severe early-onset cerebellar atrophy, and in part olivary and brainstem degeneration. Patient fibroblasts showed a lack of PRDX3 protein, resulting in decreased glutathione peroxidase activity and decreased mitochondrial maximal respiratory capacity. Moreover, PRDX3 knockdown in cerebellar medulloblastoma cells resulted in significantly decreased cell viability, increased H2O2 levels and increased susceptibility to apoptosis triggered by reactive oxygen species. Pan-neuronal and pan-glial in vivo models of Drosophila revealed aberrant locomotor phenotypes and reduced survival times upon exposure to oxidative stress. Our findings reveal a central role for mitochondria and the implication of oxidative stress in PRDX3 disease pathogenesis and cerebellar vulnerability and suggest targets for future therapeutic approaches.