Assessing the Function of Porcine A Kinase-Interacting Protein 1 (AKIP1) In Vitro—A Central Regulator of Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Functions

Oxidative stress plays a central role in numerous conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, chronic inflammation, and organ transplantation. In transplantation, oxidative stress leads to mitochondrial dysfunction, DNA and protein damage, lipid peroxidation, and activation of pro-inflammatory pathways such as NF-κB, ultimately impairing cell viability and organ function. A Kinase-Interacting Protein 1 (AKIP1) has been linked to oxidative stress regulation in transgenic mouse models. To investigate this further in a livestock setting, we generated AKIP1 transgenic pigs and assessed AKIP1's protective role against oxidative-stress-induced cell death, including apoptosis, necrosis, and ferroptosis in vitro. Our cellular analyses revealed reduced apoptosis (caspase-3/7 activity), suppressed MPTP-mediated necrosis, and decreased lipid peroxidation, suggesting protection from ferroptosis. Additionally, we observed lower mitochondrial superoxide production and enhanced mitochondrial respiration and recovery following H₂O₂-induced oxidative challenge. This is the first study to examine AKIP1 in porcine cells, providing a unique and translational platform for studying oxidative injury in a physiologically relevant species. Our in vitro data reveal that AKIP1 overexpression enhances antioxidant defenses and mitochondrial stability, offering future potential for improving graft survival in xenotransplantation.