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Updated: Apr 12, 2026

Immunofluorescence Imaging of DNA Damage and Repair Foci in Human Colon Cancer Cells
Published on: June 9, 2020
Nrf2 promotes survival following exposure to ionizing radiation
Konjeti R Sekhar1, Michael L Freeman1
1Department of Radiation Oncology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
Abstract:
Nrf2 is a transcription factor that promotes antioxidant and drug-metabolizing gene expression. It also regulates the transcription of genes involved in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, NADPH regeneration, and heme and iron metabolism, as well as proteasome metabolism. Emerging research has identified Nrf2 as a critical factor for promoting survival of mammalian cells subjected to ionizing radiation. At a mechanistic level, Nrf2 promotes the repair of DNA damage and drives detoxification of superoxide that is generated hours to days after irradiation. This review summarizes research in these areas and discusses targeting of Nrf2 in radiation-resistant cancer and Nrf2׳s role in mitigating acute radiation syndrome.
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