Lights and shadows of electrophile signaling: focus on the Nrf2-Keap1 pathway

Targeted covalent modification is assuming consolidated importance in drug discovery. In this context, the electrophilic tuning of redox-dependent cell signaling is attracting major interest, as it opens prospect for treating numerous pathologic conditions. Herein, we discuss the rationale and the issues of electrophile-based approaches, focusing on the transcriptional Nrf2-Keap1 pathway as a test case. We also highlight relevant medicinal chemistry strategies researchers have devised to meet the ambitious goal, dwelling on the investigational and therapeutic potential of modulating redox-signaling networks through regulatory cysteine switches.