DNA damage-inducible transcript 3 positively regulates RIPK1-mediated necroptosis

DNA damage-inducible transcript 3 (DDIT3) is a well-known transcription factor that regulates the expression of apoptosis-related genes for promoting apoptosis during endoplasmic reticulum stress. Here, we report an unrecognized role of DDIT3 in facilitating necroptosis. DDIT3 directly binds and competitively prevents the p38 MAPK-MK2 interaction and thereby blocking MK2 activation while stimulating p38 MAPK activation. This blockage of MK2 activation initially prevents RIPK1 phosphorylation at Ser320 (inactivation), subsequently relieving its suppression of RIPK1 activation. Consequently, p38 MAPK facilitates RIPK1 phosphorylation at Ser166 (activation) through DDIT3 phosphorylation-related mechanisms, leading to necroptosis. Mechanistically, a 10-amino acid segment (Glu19-Val28) within DDIT3’s N-terminus is identified to account for its pro-necroptotic function. In vivo studies demonstrate that forced expression of DDIT3 induces necroptosis, whereas deletion of DDIT3 alleviates necroptosis in mouse hearts under stress. These findings shed light on a novel regulatory mechanism by which DDIT3 promotes RIPK1 activation and subsequent necroptosis.