miR-214 protects erythroid cells against oxidative stress by targeting ATF4 and EZH2

miR-214 protects erythroid cells against oxidative stress by targeting ATF4 and EZH2. Oxidative stress from exotic stimulating treatments including arsenic (As) increases the protein content of Nrf2 in erythroid cells, which subsequently binds to the promoter of miR-214 and represses its transcription in ROS-dependence manner. ATF4 and EZH2 are verified to be two direct downstream targets of miR-214, and their induction due to miR-214 reduction functions to antagonize As-induced cell death. Meanwhile, Bim, an important pro-apoptotic protein, is also diminished to resist As-induced cell death, as a result of EZH2-medieated increase of H3K27me3 level.169