Role of Nrf2 signaling in the regulation of vascular BK channel β1 subunit expression and BK channel function in high-fat diet–induced diabetic mice

The large conductance Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ (BK) channel β1-subunit (BK-b1) is a key modulator of BK channel electrophysiology and the downregulation of BK-b1 protein expression in vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) underlies diabetic vascular dysfunction. In this study, we hypothesized that the nuclear factor erythroid-2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway plays a significant role in the regulation of coronary BK channel function and vasodilation in high-fat diet (HFD)–induced obese/diabetic mice. We found that the protein expressions of BK-b1 and Nrf2 were markedly downregulated, whereas those of the nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB) and the muscle ring finger protein 1 (MuRF1 [a ubiquitin E3 ligase for BK-b1]) were significantly upregulated in HFD mouse arteries. Adenoviral expression of Nrf2 suppressed the protein expressions of NF-kB and MuRF1 but enhanced BK-b1 mRNA and protein expressions in cultured coronary SMCs. Knockdown of Nrf2 resulted in reciprocal changes of these proteins. Patch-clamp studies showed that coronary BK-b1–mediated channel activation was diminished in HFD mice. Importantly, the activation of Nrf2 by dimethyl fumarate significantly reduced the body weight and blood glucose levels of HFD mice, enhanced BK-b1 transcription, and attenuated MuRF1-dependent BK-b1 protein degradation, which in turn restored coronary BK channel function and BK channel–mediated coronary vasodilation in HFD mice. Hence, Nrf2 is a novel regulator of BK channel function with therapeutic implications in diabetic vasculopathy.