Signaling pathways involved in HSP32 induction by hyperbaric oxygen in rat spinal neurons

Signaling pathways between HBO exposure and HSP32 expression in rat spinal neurons. Under basal conditions, Bach1 is associated with small Maf proteins and inhibit HSP32 gene expression by binding to the ARE. HBO increases intracellular ROS formation, which activates MEK1/2 and p38 MAPK. The activation of p38 MAPK triggers the dissociation of Nrf2 from keap1 and translocation into the nucleus to form a heterodimer with small Maf proteins and to initiate transcription of HSP32 gene by binding to ARE. At the same time, the activation of MEK1/2 inhibits the Bach1 disassociation from small Maf proteins, which prevents the surge of HSP32 gene transcription. ARE, antioxidant-response element; Keap 1, Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1.