ZBM‐H‐induced activation of GRP78 ATPase promotes apoptosis via annexin A7 in A549 lung cancer cells

Abstract Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is an essential signal for the regulation of cancer cell fate, including autophagy and apoptosis. HOCl regulated autophagy by affecting the oxidation modification of glucose‐regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and the activity of GRP78 ATPase. The mechanism of GRP78 ATPase in cell apoptosis has however not yet been clarified. Here we reported that ZBM‐H, as a probe of HOCl, was able to directly bind to GRP78 in the presence or absence of ATP. Following ZBM‐H treatment, the interaction between GRP78 and annexin A7 (ANXA7) was promoted, and this was accompanied by increased phosphorylation of integrin β4 (ITGB4). In addition, ZBM‐H enhanced the phosphorylation of ANXA7. ABO, an inhibitor of ANXA7, inhibited ZBM‐H‐induced ITGB4 phosphorylation and apoptosis, while ANXA7 activator SEC had opposite effect. Collectively, these data provide new evidence for the mechanism by which ZBM‐H‐induced activation of GRP78 ATPase regulates apoptosis of A549 lung cancer cells.