Endoplasmic reticulum association and N-linked glycosylation of the human Nrf3 transcription factor

We have analysed the molecular and cellular regulation of the basic-leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factor Nrf3 (NFE2-Related Factor 3). Cycloheximide studies revealed a rapid turnover of Nrf3. We showed that the proteasome inhibitor MG-132 increases Nrf3 protein levels. Furthermore, we demonstrated that Nrf3 is an N-glycosylated protein associated with the endoplasmic reticulum. Thus, our studies provide the first evidence of a post-translational modification of Nrf3.