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The Dual Roles of NRF2 in Cancer

Silvia Menegon1, Amedeo Columbano2, Silvia Giordano1

  • 1University of Torino, Department of Oncology, Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, IRCCS, Strada Provinciale 142, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy.

Trends in Molecular Medicine
|June 7, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) traditionally viewed as a tumor suppressor, can promote cancer cell survival and resistance. This review explores NRF2

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cellular Signaling

Background:

  • Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is recognized for its cytoprotective roles against cellular insults.
  • Emerging evidence suggests NRF2 pathway hyperactivation promotes cancer cell survival and resistance to therapies.
  • This dual role necessitates a deeper understanding of NRF2 in cancer progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the oncogenic mechanisms driven by NRF2.
  • To summarize the current landscape of NRF2 inhibitors.
  • To establish the rationale for targeting NRF2 in cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on NRF2 function in cancer.
  • Analysis of NRF2 pathway activation and its consequences.
  • Survey of existing and developing NRF2-targeting agents.

Main Results:

  • NRF2 activation confers resistance to oxidative stress, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.
  • Specific oncogenic mechanisms of NRF2 are elucidated.
  • Several NRF2 inhibitors are under investigation.

Conclusions:

  • NRF2's role in cancer is complex, with significant oncogenic potential.
  • NRF2 inhibitors represent a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.
  • Targeting NRF2 offers a novel approach to combat cancer progression and therapy resistance.
Keywords:
KEAP1NRF2antioxidant responsemutations

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