Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 pathway (NRF2 pathway)

The canonical pathway mediating the effects of sulforaphane is the KEAP1-NRF2 pathway, sometimes referred to as the NRF2 pathway. This signaling cascade regulates cellular adaptation to oxidative and chemical stress, centering on the NRF2 transcription factor, which—when liberated from KEAP1-mediated degradation—translocates to the nucleus and induces the expression of a battery of antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes. Sulforaphane is the most potent natural activator of this pathway, and it exerts its cytoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and chemopreventive effects primarily through this mechanism. The pathway is critical for defense against a variety of chronic diseases, including cancer and neurodegeneration[2][4][7].

Other names

KEAP1-NRF2 pathwayNrf2 pathwayKeap1-Nrf2-ARE pathway

Activation of NRF2 transcription factor (often by modifying cysteines on KEAP1, releasing NRF2 to translocate to the nucleus)\nUpregulation of antioxidant and detoxification genes\nInhibition of pro-inflammatory NF-κB signaling