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NRF2-targeted therapeutics: New targets and modes of NRF2 regulation
Montserrat Rojo de la Vega1, Matthew Dodson1, Eli Chapman1
1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA, 85721.
Abstract:
Pharmacological activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor-erythroid derived 2-like 2 (NRF2), the key regulator of the cellular antioxidant response, has been recognized as a feasible strategy to reduce oxidative/electrophilic stress and prevent carcinogenesis or other chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and chronic kidney disease. In contrast, due to the discovery of the "dark side" of NRF2, where prolonged activation of NRF2 causes tissue damage, cancer progression, or chemoresistance, efforts have been devoted to identify inhibitors. Currently, only one NRF2 activator has been approved for use in the clinic, while no specific NRF2 inhibitors have been discovered. Future development of NRF2-targeted therapeutics should be based on our current understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of this protein. In addition to the KEAP1-dependent mechanisms, the recent discovery of other pathways involved in the degradation of NRF2 have opened up new possibilities for the development of safe and specific therapeutics. Here, we review available and putative NRF2-targeted therapeutics and discuss their modes of action as well as their potential for disease prevention and treatment.
Insights
Targeting the NRF2 pathway offers therapeutic potential for chronic diseases. However, understanding NRF2
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cellular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Nuclear factor-erythroid derived 2-like 2 (NRF2) regulates cellular antioxidant responses.
- NRF2 activation shows potential in preventing oxidative stress, carcinogenesis, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease.
- The "dark side" of NRF2 involves tissue damage, cancer progression, and chemoresistance with prolonged activation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review available and potential NRF2-targeted therapeutics.
- To discuss the mechanisms of action for NRF2-targeted drugs.
- To explore the potential of NRF2 therapeutics in disease prevention and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on NRF2 activators and inhibitors.
- Analysis of NRF2 regulatory mechanisms, including KEAP1-dependent and independent pathways.
- Discussion of therapeutic strategies targeting NRF2.
Main Results:
- One NRF2 activator is clinically approved; no specific inhibitors are currently discovered.
- Emerging understanding of NRF2 degradation pathways offers new therapeutic avenues.
- NRF2-targeted therapeutics present diverse modes of action for disease management.
Conclusions:
- NRF2-targeted therapies hold promise for various chronic conditions.
- Further research into NRF2 regulation is crucial for developing safe and specific therapeutics.
- Balancing NRF2 activation and inhibition is key for effective therapeutic strategies.
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