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Nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 as a chemopreventive target in colorectal cancer

Constance Lay Lay Saw1, Ah-Ng Tony Kong

  • 1Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutics, 160 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.

Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets
|January 26, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant responsive element (ARE) pathway is crucial for colorectal cancer (CRC) prevention. Targeting this pathway offers a novel therapeutic strategy for CRC and related inflammatory diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Epidemiological studies link cruciferous vegetable consumption to reduced colorectal cancer (CRC) risk.
  • Chronic inflammation is a significant factor in 15-20% of malignancies, including CRC.
  • Nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its regulation of the antioxidant responsive element (ARE) are emerging as key targets for cancer prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of the Nrf2/ARE pathway in colorectal cancer (CRC) chemoprevention.
  • To explore the therapeutic potential of targeting the Nrf2/ARE pathway for CRC treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature search using PubMed with keywords: 'ARE, Nrf2, colon, colorectal cancer, chemoprevention, cancer prevention'.
  • Inclusion of all relevant publications identified in the search.

Main Results:

  • Nrf2 knockout mice studies have illuminated the pathway's toxicological and chemopreventive significance.
  • Nrf2 is identified as a critical regulator of inflammation, a key driver of CRC progression.
  • Compounds activating the Nrf2/ARE pathway show promise in preclinical and clinical settings for cancer prevention.

Conclusions:

  • The Nrf2/ARE pathway plays a vital role in managing oxidative stress and inflammation relevant to CRC.
  • Targeting the Nrf2/ARE pathway presents a promising therapeutic avenue for colorectal inflammatory diseases and subsequent CRC development.

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