Keap1-Nrf2

The KEAP1-NRF2 pathway is a crucial regulatory system for cellular defense against oxidative and electrophilic stress. NRF2 is a transcription factor that, when activated, induces the expression of antioxidant and cytoprotective genes. KEAP1 is a sensor protein that binds to NRF2 under normal conditions, targeting it for degradation and keeping its activity low. Under stress conditions, this interaction is disrupted, allowing NRF2 to accumulate and translocate to the nucleus where it activates gene expression. This pathway's activation enhances cellular resilience to damage and disease. Targeting the KEAP1-NRF2 pathway is increasingly viewed as a therapeutic strategy for diseases involving oxidative stress, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and chronic inflammatory conditions.