Therapeutic potential of the Nrf2 activator omaveloxolone in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 in cellular and Drosophila models

Abstract

Introduction Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), also known as Machado–Joseph disease, is an autosomal dominant polyglutamine neurodegenerative disorder caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the ataxin-3 gene (ATXN3). Mutant ataxin-3 accumulation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and impaired protein quality control contribute to its pathogenesis; however, no disease-modifying therapy is currently available. Omaveloxolone (RTA-408), an activator of nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2), is approved for Friedreich’s ataxia, but its therapeutic potential in SCA3 remains unclear. Methods We evaluated the effects of RTA-408 in MJD78 cells and Drosophila SCA3 models. Cell viability, apoptosis, mutant ataxin-3 levels, Nrf2-associated antioxidant proteins, p62/autophagy-related markers, and mitochondrial phenotypes were assessed in MJD78 cells. Survival, climbing ability, and external eye degeneration were evaluated in SCA3tr-Q78 flies. Results In MJD78 cells, 0.3 and 0.5 μM RTA-408 more consistently improved cell viability, reduced apoptosis, and decreased detectable mutant ataxin-3 accumulation than 0.1 μM RTA-408. RTA-408 increased the nuclear-to-cytoplasmic Nrf2 ratio and upregulated NQO1, HO-1, and SOD2 without significantly altering intracellular or mitochondrial reactive oxygen species levels. RTA-408 also increased p62 expression, whereas ATG7, Beclin 1, LAMP2, and the LC3-II/LC3-I ratio showed limited or nonsignificant changes, indicating p62 upregulation without definitive evidence of canonical autophagic flux activation. In addition, 0.3 μM RTA-408 partially shifted mitochondrial morphology from globe-like to elongated forms and increased mitochondrial DNA copy number. In SCA3tr-Q78 flies, RTA-408 partially improved survival, locomotor performance, eye size, and pigmentation, with more evident benefits at earlier stages. Conclusion These findings support the protective potential of RTA-408 in SCA3-related models. Its effects were associated with activation of Nrf2-related antioxidant responses, p62 upregulation, and selected improvements in mitochondrial phenotypes. Further studies are needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms and determine the translational potential of RTA-408 for SCA3.