Nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)

Nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor that plays a central role in cellular defense mechanisms against oxidative and electrophilic stress. It regulates the expression of numerous cytoprotective genes involved in antioxidant defense, detoxification, metabolism, inflammation, proteostasis, mitochondrial function and immune responses. Nrf2 is regulated by Keap1, which sequesters it in the cytoplasm and promotes its degradation under normal conditions. Upon exposure to stress, Nrf2 translocates to the nucleus, dimerizes with small Maf proteins, and activates the transcription of target genes containing antioxidant response elements (AREs).

Other names

NFE2L2Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2

Pharmacological activation by disrupting Keap1-Nrf2 binding, leading to Nrf2 nuclear translocation and ARE-mediated gene transcription.