Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 20, 2026

A Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Assay to Identify Novel NFAT2 Target Genes in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
09:52

A Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Assay to Identify Novel NFAT2 Target Genes in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Published on: December 4, 2018

NRF2 and cancer: the good, the bad and the importance of context

Michael B Sporn1, Karen T Liby

  • 1Department of Pharmacology, Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755, USA. e-michael.sporn@dartmouth.edu

Nature Reviews. Cancer
|July 20, 2012
PubMed

Insights

The transcription factor NRF2 (NFE2-related factor 2) shows dual roles in cancer, potentially hindering or aiding treatment. Understanding NRF2

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • The transcription factor NRF2 (NFE2-related factor 2) is implicated in chemoprevention and chronic disease suppression.
  • Recent studies suggest NRF2 may promote oncogenesis and chemotherapy resistance in human tumors.

Approach:

  • Critically evaluate conflicting data on NRF2's role in cancer.
  • Analyze the context-dependent functions of NRF2.
  • Examine experimental methodologies contributing to divergent findings.

Key Points:

  • NRF2 activation is linked to beneficial effects in chemoprevention.
  • Conversely, NRF2 can act as an oncogene, promoting tumor growth and drug resistance.
  • The dual role of NRF2 highlights the complexity of targeting it for cancer therapy.

Conclusions:

  • The therapeutic strategy for NRF2 in cancer requires careful consideration of its context-dependent roles.
  • Further research is needed to reconcile conflicting data and clarify NRF2's precise function in different cancer types.
  • Rationalizing NRF2's dual function is crucial for developing effective cancer prevention and treatment strategies.

Related Concept Videos

NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway02:26

NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway

The transcription factor NF-κB was discovered in 1986 in the lab of Nobel laureate Professor David Baltimore, for its interaction with the immunoglobulin light chain enhancer in B-cells. After more than three decades of study, it is now evident that NF-κB regulates the expression of over 100 genes. Most of these genes play an essential role in the innate and adaptive immune responses as well as the inflammatory responses of animals.
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Mechanism
The heterodimer of NF-κB...
The Ras Gene02:38

The Ras Gene

The Ras-gene-encoded proteins are regulators of signaling pathways controlling cell proliferation, differentiation, or cell survival. The Ras-gene family in humans constitutes three primary members—the HRas, NRas, and KRas. These genes code for four functionally distinct yet closely related proteins—the HRas, NRas, KRas4A, and KRas4B. The involvement of mutant Ras genes in human cancer was first discovered in 1982 and is among the most common causes of human tumorigenesis.
Ras is a superfamily...
Abnormal Proliferation02:23

Abnormal Proliferation

Under normal conditions, most adult cells remain in a non-proliferative state unless stimulated by internal or external factors to replace lost cells. Abnormal cell proliferation is a condition in which the cell's growth exceeds and is uncoordinated with normal cells. In such situations, cell division persists in the same excessive manner even after cessation of the stimuli, leading to persistent tumors. The tumor arises from the damaged cells that replicate to pass the damage to the daughter...
Transducer Mechanism: Nuclear Receptors01:31

Transducer Mechanism: Nuclear Receptors

Nuclear receptors, or NRs, are unique transcription factors that regulate gene transcription and affect the cellular pathways involved in reproduction, development, or metabolism. Their ability to be stimulated by small lipophilic ligands and control vital cellular processes makes them ideal drug targets. Nearly 10-15% of currently prescribed drugs target these receptors.
About 48 different soluble family members of nuclear receptors are identified that can be divided into two main classes:
Cancer-Critical Genes I: Proto-oncogenes01:33

Cancer-Critical Genes I: Proto-oncogenes

Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
Cancer-Critical Genes I: Proto-oncogenes01:33

Cancer-Critical Genes I: Proto-oncogenes

Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...