EMP1 safeguards hematopoietic stem cells by suppressing sphingolipid metabolism and alleviating endoplasmic reticulum stress
Abstract The long-term maintenance of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) relies on the regulation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress at a low level, but the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that suppression of ER stress improves the functions of HSCs and protects H...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Nature Portfolio
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Nature Communications |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-61552-0 |
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| Summary: | Abstract The long-term maintenance of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) relies on the regulation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress at a low level, but the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that suppression of ER stress improves the functions of HSCs and protects HSCs against ionizing radiation (IR)-induced injury. We identify epithelial membrane protein 1 (EMP1) as a key regulator that mitigates ER stress in HSCs. Emp1 deficiency leads to the accumulation of protein aggregates and elevated ER stress, ultimately resulting in impaired HSC maintenance and self-renewal. Mechanistically, EMP1 is located within the ER and interacts with ceramide synthase 2 (CERS2) to limit the production of a class of sphingolipids, dihydroceramides (dhCers). DhCers accumulate in Emp1-deficient HSCs and induce protein aggregation. Furthermore, Emp1 deficiency renders HSCs more susceptible to IR, while overexpression of Emp1 or inhibition of CERS2 protects HSCs against IR-induced injury. These findings highlight the critical role played by the EMP1-CERS2-dhCers axis in constraining ER stress and preserving HSC potential. |
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| ISSN: | 2041-1723 |