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.

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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