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Mechanisms that integrate the metabolic state of a cell with regulatory pathways are necessary to maintain cellular homeostasis. Endogenous, intrinsically reactive metabolites can form functional, covalent modifications on proteins without the aid of enzymes 1 , 2 , and regulate cellular functions such as metabolism 3 – 5 and transcription 6 . An important ‘sensor’ protein that captures specific metabolic information and transforms it into an appropriate response is KEAP1, which contains reactive cysteine residues that collectively act as an electrophile sensor tuned to respond to reactive species resulting from endogenous and xenobiotic molecules. Covalent modification of KEAP1 results in reduced ubiquitination and the accumulation of NRF2 7 , 8 , which then initiates the transcription of cytoprotective genes at antioxidant-response element loci. Here we identify a small-molecule inhibitor of the glycolytic enzyme PGK1, and reveal a direct link between glycolysis and NRF2 signalling. Inhibition of PGK1 results in accumulation of the reactive metabolite methylglyoxal, which selectively modifies KEAP1 to form a methylimidazole crosslink between proximal cysteine and arginine residues (MICA). This posttranslational modification results in the dimerization of KEAP1, the accumulation of NRF2 and activation of the NRF2 transcriptional program. These results demonstrate the existence of direct inter-pathway communication between glycolysis and the KEAP1–NRF2 transcriptional axis, provide insight into the metabolic regulation of the cellular stress response, and suggest a therapeutic strategy for controlling the cytoprotective antioxidant response in several human diseases. Inhibition of the glycolytic enzyme PGK1 using a small molecular probe reveals a molecular link between glycolysis and the KEAP1–NRF2 signalling cascade.

Histone posttranslational modifications (PTMs) regulate chromatin dynamics, DNA accessibility, and transcription to expand the genetic code. Many of these PTMs are produced through cellular metabolism to offer both feedback and feedforward regulation. Herein we describe the existence of Lys and Arg modifications on histones by a glycolytic by-product, methylglyoxal (MGO). Our data demonstrate that adduction of histones by MGO is an abundant modification, present at the same order of magnitude as Arg methylation. These modifications were detected on all four core histones at critical residues involved in both nucleosome stability and reader domain binding. In addition, MGO treatment of cells lacking the major detoxifying enzyme, glyoxalase 1, results in marked disruption of H2B acetylation and ubiquitylation without affecting H2A, H3, and H4 modifications. Using RNA sequencing, we show that MGO is capable of altering gene transcription, most notably in cells lacking GLO1. Finally, we show that the deglycase DJ-1 protects histones from adduction by MGO. Collectively, our findings demonstrate the existence of a previously undetected histone modification derived from glycolysis, which may have far-reaching implications for the control of gene expression and protein transcription linked to metabolism

Honey has been used as a traditional remedy for skin and soft tissue infections due to its ability to promote wound healing. Manuka honey is recognized for its unusually abundant content of the antibacterial compound, methylglyoxal (MGO). The Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) grading system reflects the MGO concentration in Manuka honey sold commercially. Our objective was to observe if UMF values correlated with the antibacterial activity of Manuka honey against a variety of pathogens purchased over the counter. The antibacterial effect of Manuka honey with UMF values of 5+, 10+, and 15+ from the same manufacturer was assessed by the broth microdilution method. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were determined against 128 isolates from wound cultures representing gram-positive, gram-negative, drug-susceptible, and multi-drug resistant (MDR) organisms. Lower MICs were observed with UMF 5+ honey for staphylococci (n = 73, including 25 methicillin-resistant S. aureus) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 22, including 10 MDR) compared to UMF 10+ honey (p<0.05) and with UMF 10+ compared to UMF 15+ (p = 0.01). For Enterobacteriaceae (n = 33, including 14 MDR), MIC values were significantly lower for UMF 5+ or UMF 10+ compared to UMF 15+ honey (p<0.01). MIC50 for UMF 5+, UMF 10+, and UMF 15+ honey against staphylococci was 6%, 7%, and 15%, and for Enterobacteriaceae was 21%, 21%, and 27%, respectively. For Pseudomonas aeruginosa MIC50 was 21% and MIC90 was 21-27% for all UMFs. Manuka honey exhibited antimicrobial activity against a spectrum of organisms including those with multi-drug resistance, with more potent activity overall against gram-positive than gram-negative bacteria. Manuka honey with lower UMF values, in our limited sampling, paradoxically demonstrated increased antimicrobial activity among the limited samples tested, presumably due to changes in MGO content of honey over time. The UMF value by itself may not be a reliable indicator of antibacterial effect.

Diabetic wounds are a serious complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) that can lead to persistent infection, amputation, and even death. Prolonged oxidative stress has been widely recognized as a major instigator in the development of diabetic wounds; therefore, oxidative stress is considered a promising therapeutic target. In the present study, Keap1/Nrf2 signaling was confirmed to be activated in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice and methylglyoxal (MGO)-treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Knockdown of Keap1 by siRNA reversed the increase in Keap1 levels, promoted the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, and increased the expression of HO-1, an antioxidant protein. To explore therapeutic delivery strategies, milk-derived exosomes (mEXOs) were developed as a novel, efficient, and non-toxic siRNA carrier. SiRNA-Keap1 (siKeap1) was loaded into mEXOs by sonication, and the obtained mEXOs-siKeap1 were found to promote HUVEC proliferation and migration while relieving oxidative stress in MGO-treated HUVECs. Meanwhile, in a mouse model of diabetic wounds, injection of mEXOs-siKeap1 significantly accelerated diabetic wound healing with enhanced collagen formation and neovascularization. Taken together, these data support the development of Keap1 knockdown as a potential therapeutic strategy for diabetic wounds and demonstrated the feasibility of mEXOs as a scalable, biocompatible, and cost-effective siRNA delivery system. Graphical Abstract The therapeutic effect of siKeap1-loaded mEXOs on diabetic wound healing was assessed. First, we found that the expression of Keap1 was upregulated in the wounds of diabetic mice and in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) pretreated with methylglyoxal (MGO). Next, we extracted exosomes from raw milk by differential centrifugation and loaded siKeap1 into milk-derived exosomes by sonication. The in vitro application of the synthetic complex (mEXOs-siKeap1) was found to increase the nuclear localization of Nrf2 and the expression of the antioxidant protein HO-1, thus reversing oxidative stress. Furthermore, in vivo mEXOs-siKeap1 administration significantly accelerated the healing rate of diabetic wounds (Scheme 1). Scheme 1 Schematic diagram. A Synthesis of mEXOs-siKeap1 complex. B Mechanism of mEXOs-siKeap1 in vitro. C The treatment effect of mEXOs-siKeap1 on an in vivo mouse model of diabetic wounds

Methylglyoxal (MGO), a reactive dicarbonyl metabolite of glucose, plays a prominent role in the pathogenesis of diabetes and vascular complications. Our previous studies have shown that MGO is associated with increased oxidative stress, inflammatory responses and apoptotic cell death in endothelial cells (ECs). Pyroptosis is a novel form of inflammatory caspase-1-dependent programmed cell death that is closely associated with the activation of the NOD-like receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. Recent studies have shown that sulforaphane (SFN) can inhibit pyroptosis, but the effects and underlying mechanisms by which SFN affects MGO-induced pyroptosis in endothelial cells have not been determined. Here, we found that SFN prevented MGO-induced pyroptosis by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation in vitro and in vivo. Our results revealed that SFN dose-dependently prevented MGO-induced HUVEC pyroptosis, inhibited pyroptosis-associated biochemical changes, and attenuated MGO-induced morphological alterations in mitochondria. SFN pretreatment significantly suppressed MGO-induced ROS production and the inflammatory response by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome (NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1) signaling pathway by activating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling. Similar results were obtained in vivo, and we demonstrated that SFN prevented MGO-induced oxidative damage, inflammation and pyroptosis by reversing the MGO-induced downregulation of the NLRP3 signaling pathway through the upregulation of Nrf2. Additionally, an Nrf2 inhibitor (ML385) noticeably attenuated the protective effects of SFN on MGO-induced pyroptosis and ROS generation by inhibiting the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, and a ROS scavenger (NAC) and a permeability transition pore inhibitor (CsA) completely reversed these effects. Moreover, NLRP3 inhibitor (MCC950) and caspase-1 inhibitor (VX765) further reduced pyroptosis in endothelial cells that were pretreated with SFN. Collectively, these findings broaden our understanding of the mechanism by which SFN inhibits pyroptosis induced by MGO and suggests important implications for the potential use of SFN in the treatment of vascular diseases.

Gut microbes play diverse roles in modulating host fitness, including longevity; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying their mediation of longevity remain poorly understood. We performed genome-wide screens using 3,792 Escherichia coli mutants and identified 44 E. coli mutants that modulated Caenorhabditis elegans longevity. Three of these mutants modulated C. elegans longevity via the bacterial metabolite methylglyoxal (MG). Importantly, we found that low MG-producing E. coli mutants, Δhns E. coli, extended the lifespan of C. elegans through activation of the DAF-16/FOXO family transcription factor and the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt). Interestingly, the lifespan modulation by Δhns did not require insulin/insulin-like growth factor 1 signaling (IIS) but did require TORC2/SGK-1 signaling. Transcriptome analysis revealed that Δhns E. coli activated novel class 3 DAF-16 target genes that were distinct from those regulated by IIS. Taken together, our data suggest that bacteria-derived MG modulates host longevity through regulation of the host signaling pathways rather than through nonspecific damage on biomolecules known as advanced glycation end products. Finally, we demonstrate that MG enhances the phosphorylation of hSGK1 and accelerates cellular senescence in human dermal fibroblasts, suggesting the conserved role of MG in controlling longevity across species. Together, our studies demonstrate that bacteria-derived MG is a novel therapeutic target for aging and aging-associated pathophysiology.

Honey is increasingly valued for its antibacterial activity, but knowledge regarding the mechanism of action is still incomplete. We assessed the bactericidal activity and mechanism of action of Revamil® source (RS) honey and manuka honey, the sources of two major medical-grade honeys. RS honey killed Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa within 2 hours, whereas manuka honey had such rapid activity only against B. subtilis. After 24 hours of incubation, both honeys killed all tested bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, but manuka honey retained activity up to higher dilutions than RS honey. Bee defensin-1 and H₂O₂ were the major factors involved in rapid bactericidal activity of RS honey. These factors were absent in manuka honey, but this honey contained 44-fold higher concentrations of methylglyoxal than RS honey. Methylglyoxal was a major bactericidal factor in manuka honey, but after neutralization of this compound manuka honey retained bactericidal activity due to several unknown factors. RS and manuka honey have highly distinct compositions of bactericidal factors, resulting in large differences in bactericidal activity.

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are the final products of the Maillard reaction, formed through the interaction of carbohydrates and proteins. Reactive dicarbonyl compounds such as methylglyoxal (MGO) serve as precursors for AGEs formation. Elevated levels of MGO/AGEs are observed in conditions like obesity, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and diabetes, negatively impacting oocyte development. Previous studies have shown that hydrogen sulfide, a gasotransmitter with anti-AGEs effects, is produced in a process influenced by vitamin B6. R-α-lipoic acid (ALA) inhibits protein glycation and AGEs formation while stimulating glutathione (GSH) production. Taurine mitigates oxidative stress and acts as an anti-glycation compound, preventing in vitro glycation and AGEs accumulation. This study aimed to explore the ameliorative effects of a micronutrient support (Taurine, ALA and B6: TAB) on mouse oocytes challenged with MGO. Our results indicate that MGO reduces oocyte developmental competence, while TAB supplementation improves maturation, fertilization, and blastocyst formation rates. TAB also restores cell lineage allocation, redox balance and mitigates mitochondrial dysfunction in MGO-challenged oocytes. Furthermore, cumulus cells express key enzymes in the transsulfuration pathway, and TAB enhances their mRNA expression. However, TAB does not rescue MGO-induced damage in denuded oocytes, emphasizing the supportive role of cumulus cells. Overall, these findings suggest that TAB interventions may have significant implications for addressing reproductive dysfunctions associated with elevated MGO/AGEs levels. This study highlights the potential of TAB supplementation in preserving the developmental competence of COCs exposed to MGO stress, providing insights into mitigating the impact of dicarbonyl stress on oocyte quality and reproductive outcomes.

Type-2 diabetes (T2D) is characterised by a dysregulation of metabolism, including skeletal muscle insulin resistance, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress. Reactive species, such as methylglyoxal (MGO) and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), positively associate with T2D disease severity and can directly interfere with insulin signalling and glucose uptake in skeletal muscle by modifying cellular proteins. The multifunctional dipeptide carnosine, and its rate-limiting precursor β-alanine, have recently been shown to improve glycaemic control in humans and rodents with diabetes. However, the precise mechanisms are unclear and research in human skeletal muscle is limited. Herein, we present novel findings in primary human T2D and lean healthy control (LHC) skeletal muscle cells. Cells were differentiated to myotubes, and treated with 10 mM carnosine, 10 mM β-alanine, or control for 4-days. T2D cells had reduced ATP-linked and maximal respiration compared with LHC cells (p = 0.016 and p = 0.005). Treatment with 10 mM carnosine significantly increased insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in T2D cells (p = 0.047); with no effect in LHC cells. Insulin-stimulation increased MGO-modified proteins in T2D cells by 47%; treatment with carnosine attenuated this increase to 9.7% (p = 0.011). There was no effect treatment on cell viability or expression of other proteins. These findings suggest that the beneficial effects of carnosine on glycaemic control may be explained by its scavenging actions in human skeletal muscle.

Cellular proteins continuously undergo non-enzymatic covalent modifications (NECMs) that accumulate under normal physiological conditions and are stimulated by changes in the cellular microenvironment. Glycation, the hallmark of diabetes, is a prevalent NECM associated with an array of pathologies. Histone proteins are particularly susceptible to NECMs due to their long half-lives and nucleophilic disordered tails that undergo extensive regulatory modifications; however, histone NECMs remain poorly understood. Here we perform a detailed analysis of histone glycation in vitro and in vivo and find it has global ramifications on histone enzymatic PTMs, the assembly and stability of nucleosomes, and chromatin architecture. Importantly, we identify a physiologic regulation mechanism, the enzyme DJ-1, which functions as a potent histone deglycase. Finally, we detect intense histone glycation and DJ-1 overexpression in breast cancer tumors. Collectively, our results suggest an additional mechanism for cellular metabolic damage through epigenetic perturbation, with implications in pathogenesis. Proteins continuously undergo non-enzymatic modifications such as glycation, which accumulate under physiological conditions but can be enhanced in disease. Here the authors characterise histone glycation, provide evidence that it affects chromatin, particularly in breast cancer, and identify DJ-1 as a deglycase.