Keap1-Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway- A promising therapeutic pathway for diseases: A Review

Abstract

Oxidative stress is the major causes of development and progression of many diseases. Nrf2 is a transcriptional factor that regulates the stress response by binding with ARE in nucleus and causes induction of antioxidant genes and phase 2 detoxifying enzymes. In normal conditions Nrf2 inhibited by Keap 1 and during redox imbalance or oxidative stress, Nrf2 gets activated. During such
condition Nrf2 activity eventually gets increased and causes the expression of antioxidant genes like HO-1 (Heme oxygenase-1), NQO-1 (NADPH quinone oxidoreductase 1), glutathione peroxidase. Thus, Nrf2-ARE pathway plays important role in diseases like liver disorders, respiratory diseases, inflammatory diseases, neurodegenerative diseases etc.