Transduced Tat–SAG fusion protein protects against oxidative stress and brain ischemic insult

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of ischemic brain injury. Sensitive to apoptosis gene (SAG) is a RING-finger protein that exhibits antioxidant activity against a variety of redox reagents. However, the protective effect of SAG in brain ischemic injury is unclear. Here, we investigated the protective effects of a Tat–SAG fusion protein against cell death and ischemic insult. When Tat–SAG fusion protein was added to the culture medium of astrocytes, it rapidly entered the cells and protected them against oxidative stress-induced cell death. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that, when Tat–SAG fusion protein was intraperitoneally injected into gerbils, wild-type Tat–SAG prevented neuronal cell death in the CA1 region of the hippocampus in response to transient forebrain ischemia. In addition, wild-type Tat–SAG fusion protein decreased lipid peroxidation in the brain compared with mutant Tat–SAG- or vehicle-treated animals. Our results demonstrate that Tat–SAG fusion protein is a tool for the treatment of ischemic insult and it can be used in protein therapy for various disorders related to ROS, including stroke.