Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Native Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis Immunoblot Analysis of Endogenous IRF5 Dimerization
Published on: October 6, 2019
Nrf2 induces interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression via an antioxidant response element within the IL-6 promoter
Christoph Jan Wruck1, Konrad Streetz, Goran Pavic
1Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany. cwruck@ukaachen.de
Abstract:
IL-6 gene expression is controlled by a promoter region containing multiple regulatory elements such as NF-κB, NF-IL6, CRE, GRE, and TRE. In this study, we demonstrated that TRE, found within the IL-6 promoter, is embedded in a functional antioxidant response element (ARE) matching an entire ARE consensus sequence. Further, point mutations of the ARE consensus sequence in the IL-6 promoter construct selectively eliminate ARE but not TRE activity. Nrf2 is a redox-sensitive transcription factor which provides cytoprotection against electrophilic and oxidative stress and is the most potent activator of ARE-dependent transcription. Using Nrf2 knock-out mice we demonstrate that Nrf2 is a potent activator of IL-6 gene transcription in vivo. Moreover, we show evidence that Nrf2 is the transcription factor that activates IL6 expression in a cholestatic hepatitis mouse model. Our findings suggest a possible role of IL-6 in oxidative stress defense and also give indication about an important function for Nrf2 in the regulation of hematopoietic and inflammatory processes.
Related Concept Videos
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Mechanism
The heterodimer of NF-κB...
NF-kB-dependent Signaling Pathway
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Mechanism
The heterodimer of NF-κB...
T Cell Types and Functions
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Regulation of the Unfolded Protein Response
Transducer Mechanism: Nuclear Receptors
About 48 different soluble family members of nuclear receptors are identified that can be divided into two main classes:
MAPK Signaling Cascades