Stabilization of the histone acetyltransferase Tip60 by deubiquitinating enzyme USP7 stimulates the release of pro-inflammatory mediators in acute lung injury.

Acute lung injury (ALI) is often associated with inflammation. Increasing evidence has identified the role for ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7) in activating the expression of inflammatory factors in macrophages. The present study evaluated whether USP7 also mediates histone acetyltransferase Tat-interactive protein 60 (Tip60) in the development of ALI inflammation. An ALI mouse model was induced by intratracheal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration. Next, lung myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and the ratio of dry weight/wet weight of lung were examined to evaluate tissue damage. In addition, RAW 264.7 cells were treated with LPS to induce an in vitro LPS-induced inflammatory cell model. ELISA was performed to measure expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 in cells and tissues. TUNEL was used to detect LPS-induced cell apoptosis. Furthermore, the interaction between USP7 and Tip60 was identified by IP, Western blot analysis, and cycloheximide (CHX) treatment. The enrichment of Tip60 and H3K27ac in the promoter region of IL-6 and IL-8 was assessed by ChIP. USP7 was highly expressed in LPS-endotoxin-induced ALI mouse models and silencing of USP7 delayed the progression of ALI in mice. Silencing of USP7 protected RAW 264.7 cells against LPS-induced inflammation and apoptosis by downregulating IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8. USP7 enhanced Tip60 protein stability, and Tip60 increased the enrichment of H3K27ac on IL-6 and IL-8 promoter region and activated NF-κB p65 to increase IL-6 and IL-8 expression. These findings reveal a new post-transcriptional role for USP7 in inflammation by stabilizing Tip60 and increasing the release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, and implicate USP7 inhibitors as potential therapeutic agents for ALI. KEY MESSAGES: USP7 expresses highly in an acute lung injury (ALI) mouse models. Silencing of USP7 inhibits inflammation and cell apoptosis in ALI mouse. USP7 stabilizes Tip60 to boost the release of IL-6 and IL-8. Tip60 increases IL-6 and IL-8 expression by acetylating NF-κB p65. Silencing of USP7 alleviates ALI by repressing NF-κB p65 and Tip60.