Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 30, 2025

Direct Reprogramming of Mouse Fibroblasts into Melanocytes
Published on: August 27, 2021
Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) as a potential therapeutic target for vitiligo
Xiran Lin1, Xianmin Meng2, Zhiqi Song1
1Department of Dermatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, 222 Zhongshan Lu, Dalian, 116011, China.
Abstract:
Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease of the skin which causes loss of melanocytes from the epidermis. Recently, it is demonstrated that oxidative stress (OS) plays a significant role in the immuno-pathogenesis of vitiligo. A major mechanism in the cellular defense against OS is activation of the nuclear factor erythroid2-related factor (Nrf2)-Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1(Keap1)-antioxidant responsive element (ARE) signaling pathway. Recently it has been shown that vitiligo melanocytes have impaired Nrf2-ARE signaling. A number of drugs including those known as Nrf2 activators and those known to possess effects to activate Nrf2, have been used in treating vitiligo with certain therapeutic effects. Also, studies have shown that a number of compounds can protect melanocytes against OS via activating Nrf2. These compounds may be considered as candidates for developing new drugs for vitiligo in the future. Nrf2 can be considered as a potential therapeutic target for vitiligo.
Related Concept Videos
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Mechanism
The...
Transducer Mechanism: Nuclear Receptors
About 48 different soluble family members of nuclear receptors are identified that can be divided into two main classes:
Factors Affecting Erythropoiesis
Several factors influence the erythrocyte production rate, with tissue oxygen level being among the most critical. Intense exercise or high altitudes can cause tissue hypoxia, which triggers the kidneys to release more erythropoietin (EPO) into the bloodstream.
EPO then...
Methods of Nuclear Reprogramming
Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis
The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin...
Regulation of Nuclear Protein Sorting

