Identification of Nrf2-regulated genes in A549 lung cancer cells by oligonucleotide microarray

To elucidate the mechanisms by which Nrf2 regulates cell growth, we performed global gene expression profiling of A549 lung cancer cells with knockdown of Nrf2. Gene networks associated with carbohydrate metabolism and drug metabolism were significantly downregulated in Nrf2-depleted A549 cells. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis revealed significant enrichment of genes associated with carbohydrate catabolic processes, positive regulation of metabolic processes, PPP, and arachidonic acid metabolism. In summary, this analysis revealed that Nrf2 positively regulates transcription of genes that play key roles in central carbon metabolism. A549 cells were transfected with non targeting NS siRNA or siRNA targeting Nrf2. Mock transfected A549 cells were treated with transfection reagent alone. We had 3 biological replicates for each of the 3 groups. Ninty six hours post transfection, cells were lysed and total RNA was isolated.