2021 · International journal of molecular sciences · MDPI · added 2026-04-21
The nuclear factor-erythroid 2 p45-related factor 2 (NRF2, also called Nfe2l2) and its
cytoplasmic repressor, Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1), are major regulators of redox
homeostasis con Show more
The nuclear factor-erythroid 2 p45-related factor 2 (NRF2, also called Nfe2l2) and its
cytoplasmic repressor, Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1), are major regulators of redox
homeostasis controlling a multiple of genes for detoxification and cytoprotective enzymes. The
NRF2/KEAP1 pathway is a fundamental signaling cascade responsible for the resistance of metabolic,
oxidative stress, inflammation, and anticancer effects. Interestingly, a recent accumulation of evidence
has indicated that NRF2 exhibits an aberrant activation in cancer. Evidence has shown that the
NRF2/KEAP1 signaling pathway is associated with the proliferation of cancer cells and tumerigenesis
through metabolic reprogramming. In this review, we provide an overview of the regulatory
molecular mechanism of the NRF2/KEAP1 pathway against metabolic reprogramming in cancer,
suggesting that the regulation of NRF2/KEAP1 axis might approach as a novel therapeutic strategy
for cancers. Show less