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Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway and natural products for cancer chemoprevention

Cui Rong Zhao1, Zu Hua Gao, Xian Jun Qu

  • 1Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 Wen Hua Xi Road, Jinan 250012, China.

Cancer Epidemiology
|July 20, 2010
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Natural products can prevent cancer by activating the nuclear factor E2-related protein 2 (Nrf2) pathway, which boosts detoxifying enzymes. This research highlights dietary Nrf2 activators for cancer chemoprevention.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Cancer prevention strategies include utilizing food-based natural products to induce cytoprotective enzymes.
  • These enzymes, including phase II and antioxidative enzymes, detoxify harmful intermediates from carcinogens.
  • The nuclear factor E2-related protein 2 (Nrf2) transcription factor activates the antioxidant response element (ARE) in genes encoding these enzymes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize current knowledge on Nrf2 regulation.
  • To highlight natural product-derived Nrf2/ARE activators as potential chemopreventive agents for cancer patients.

Main Methods:

  • A literature review of PubMed was conducted.
  • The review focused on molecular mechanisms of Nrf2 regulation.
  • Key dietary components activating the Nrf2-ARE pathway were identified.

Main Results:

  • Under normal conditions, Nrf2 is cytoplasmic, bound to Keap1.
  • Chemopreventive agents release Nrf2, allowing nuclear translocation.
  • Nrf2 then induces gene expression of detoxifying enzymes, conferring cancer chemoprevention.

Conclusions:

  • Enhancing Nrf2-ARE pathway activity is a rational cancer chemoprevention strategy.
  • Dietary sources of novel Nrf2/ARE activators are increasingly being identified.

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