USP11 promotes autophagy to attenuate LPS-induced oxidative stress in lung epithelial cells by stabilizing FOXO1 levels

Background

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a critical condition characterized by severe inflammation and oxidative stress, leading to high morbidity and mortality. Despite advances in understanding ALI pathophysiology, effective treatment options remain limited. The increasing global burden of ALI, driven by factors such as infections, trauma, and environmental pollutants, emphasizes the urgent need for new therapeutic strategies. This study investigates the role of ubiquitin-specific protease 11 (USP11) in modulating Forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) to promote autophagy and alleviate oxidative stress in lung epithelial cells, which could provide novel insights into ALI therapeutic strategies.

Materials and methods

Bioinformatics were utilized to analyze the expression pattern of USP11 and FOXO1 in ALI, and their functions were detected based on gain- and loss-of function studies in vitro and in vivo. Besides, the effects of USP11 on FOXO1 stability and autophagy were examined through Western blot, immunofluorescence, and co-immunoprecipitation assays.

Results

USP11 was found to be significantly downregulated in ALI, and its over-expression stabilized FOXO1, enhancing autophagy in lung epithelial cells. USP11 over-expression reduced oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokine production in vitro and in vivo. These results highlight the protective role of the USP11-FOXO1 axis in mitigating ALI pathophysiology.

Conclusions

This study identifies USP11 as a key regulator of FOXO1 and autophagy in ALI. The stabilization of FOXO1 through USP11 represents a promising therapeutic strategy for reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in ALI, warranting further clinical investigation.