CRISPR screen shows disrupted autophagy regulates NRF2

The nuclear factor (erythroid 2)-like 2 (NRF2, NFE2L2) transcription factor regulates the expression of many genes critical in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Its deregulation has been implicated in many diseases including cancer, metabolic, and neurodegenerative diseases. While several mechanisms by which NRF2 can be activated have gradually been identified over time, a more complete regulatory network of NRF2 is still lacking. Here we show through a genome wide CRISPR screen that a total of 273 genes, when knocked out, will lead to sustained NRF2 activation. Pathway analysis revealed a significant overrepresentation of genes (18 of the 273 genes) involved in autophagy. Molecular validation of a subset of the enriched genes identified 8 high confidence genes that negatively regulate NRF2 activity irrespective of cell type: ATG12,ATG7, GOSR1, IFT172, NRXN2, RAB6A, VPS37A, and the well-known negative regulator of NRF2, KEAP1. Of these, ATG12, ATG7, KEAP1, and VPS37Aare known to be involved in autophagic processes. Our results present a comprehensive list of NRF2 negative regulators, and reveal an intimate link between autophagy and NRF2 regulation..