Antioxidant Gene Expression Stimulation (AGES)

Antioxidant gene expression stimulation refers to the upregulation of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes and related cytoprotective proteins in response to oxidative or electrophilic stress. This process is primarily regulated at the transcriptional level by specific DNA elements and transcription factors, most notably the antioxidant response element (ARE) and its key regulator, nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2). Nrf2 is a master transcription factor that, upon activation by oxidative stress or electrophiles, translocates to the nucleus, binds to ARE sequences in the promoter regions of target genes, and increases their transcription. This results in increased expression of enzymes involved in detoxification, redox balance, and metabolism, protecting cells from oxidative damage. While beneficial, dysregulation of this pathway can have adverse consequences, such as chemoresistance in cancer cells.

Other names

ARE-Nrf2 pathway activationNrf2 pathway inductionOxidative stress response activationCytoprotective gene induction

Nrf2 activation leading to ARE-mediated transcription of antioxidant genes.