Keap1-Nrf2 is the major regulator of cytoprotective responses to electrophilic chemicals or reactive oxygen species (ROS). Keap1 is an E3 ligase, which induces the degradation of Nrf2 by ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS). Upregulation of Nrf2 inducing by inactivation of Keap1 is often observed in cancer cells. Aberrant activation of Nrf2 in cancer cells accelerates proliferation and metabolism. For this case, Nrf2 is an attractive molecule as a therapeutic target in cancer and a lot number of Nrf2 inhibitors are developed. What’s interesting, Nrf2 induction is also reported to be treatment strategies for accelerating the detoxification of carcinogens and protect the body from chemical carcinogenesis.
|