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Oxidative Stress, Nrf2, and Epigenetic Modification Contribute to Anticancer Drug Resistance

Kyoung Ah Kang1, Jin Won Hyun1

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Jeju National University, Jeju, Korea.

Toxicological Research
|January 31, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) normally protects cells but can be aberrantly activated in cancer. This Nrf2 activation by epigenetic changes reduces chemotherapy effectiveness, highlighting a target for improving cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor regulating cytoprotective and antioxidant genes.
  • Aberrant Nrf2 activation, driven by epigenetic alterations in cancer, leads to increased cytoprotective protein expression.
  • This overexpression can compromise the efficacy of conventional chemotherapy drugs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the interplay between oxidative stress, Nrf2 signaling, and epigenetic modifications in the context of anticancer drug resistance.
  • To provide insights into novel therapeutic strategies aimed at enhancing chemotherapeutic outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent findings on Nrf2, epigenetics, and drug resistance.
  • Analysis of the molecular mechanisms linking oxidative stress, Nrf2 activation, and chemotherapy failure.
  • Synthesis of information on epigenetic modifications affecting Nrf2 in cancer.

Main Results:

  • Epigenetic alterations frequently lead to the aberrant activation of Nrf2 in various cancers.
  • Activated Nrf2 promotes the expression of genes that confer resistance to chemotherapy agents.
  • The Nrf2 pathway is a key mediator of oxidative stress-induced drug resistance.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting the Nrf2 pathway, particularly its aberrant activation through epigenetic mechanisms, is a promising strategy to overcome chemotherapy resistance.
  • Understanding the Nrf2-epigenetic-drug resistance axis can guide the development of more effective cancer therapies.
  • Modulating Nrf2 activity may restore sensitivity to anticancer drugs and improve patient prognosis.
Keywords:
Anticancer drug resistanceEpigenetic modificationNrf2 transcription factorOxidative stress

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