nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2
nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2
Overview
Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor that plays a critical role in cellular defense against oxidative stress and inflammation. It regulates the expression of various antioxidant genes and enzymes, including heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1), through its interaction with the antioxidant response element (ARE) in the promoter regions of target genes. Nrf2 is essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis and protecting against damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Dysregulation of Nrf2 signaling has been implicated in various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and metabolic dysfunctions, making it a significant target for therapeutic interventions.
Focus of Latest Publications
Recent studies have highlighted the multifaceted role of Nrf2 in various pathological contexts. For instance, a study published in Redox Report (PMID: 42046449) elucidated the protective role of quercetin against lipopolysaccharide-induced necroptosis in broiler thymus, demonstrating that Nrf2 can initiate the protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK) pathway, which is linked to immune dysfunction. Another study in Renal Failure (PMID: 41912450) reported that recombinant human ADAMTS13 ameliorated diabetic nephropathy by activating the Nrf2/GPX4 signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting ROS generation and mitigating renal injury in diabetic mice.
In the context of neurodegenerative diseases, research published in Bioorganic Chemistry (PMID: 41797134) showed that Nrf2 was downregulated alongside apoptotic proteins in models of septic acute kidney injury, indicating its potential role in mitochondrial restoration and oxidative stress reduction. Furthermore, a study in The Journal of Pathology (PMID: 41944556) emphasized the importance of the Nrf2-KEAP1 axis in understanding the biological heterogeneity of Nrf2 pathway dysregulation in clinical settings.
Nrf2's involvement in ferroptosis, a form of regulated cell death, was also explored in several studies. For example, research in European Journal of Pharmacology (PMID: 42044765) demonstrated that inhibiting ferroptosis via the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway exerted renal protective effects in membranous nephropathy rats. Similarly, a study in Food & Function (PMID: 42132559) indicated that Noni fruit juice induced ferroptosis in gastric cancer cells through the Nrf2/HO-1-GPX4 axis, highlighting Nrf2's critical role in cancer biology.
Additionally, various natural compounds, such as avenanthramide C from oat sprout extract (PMID: 42102478) and yellow tea extract (PMID: 42207030), were shown to activate Nrf2, promoting antioxidant responses and improving cellular resilience against oxidative stress. These findings collectively underscore the significance of Nrf2 in mediating protective responses across different biological systems and its potential as a therapeutic target in various diseases.