Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 15, 2025

Transfer of Manipulated Tumor-associated Neutrophils into Tumor-Bearing Mice to Study their Angiogenic Potential In Vivo
08:19

Transfer of Manipulated Tumor-associated Neutrophils into Tumor-Bearing Mice to Study their Angiogenic Potential In Vivo

Published on: July 20, 2019

6.2K

[Effect of Nrf2 in tumor progression and its inhibitors in cancer therapy]

Zi-Yin Tian1, Yun Yang2

  • 1School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University Xinxiang 453003, China.

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi = Zhongguo Zhongyao Zazhi = China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica
|March 1, 2021
PubMed

Insights

The Nrf2/Keap1 pathway regulates cellular defense against oxidative stress. Aberrant Nrf2 activation drives cancer progression and drug resistance, making Nrf2 inhibitors a promising therapeutic strategy for malignancies.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cellular Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor crucial for maintaining oxidative homeostasis and cellular defense against oxidative stress.
  • The Nrf2/Keap1 pathway is a primary cellular mechanism protecting against endogenous and exogenous oxidative damage, activating numerous stress-response genes to restore cellular balance.
  • Recent research indicates that dysregulated Nrf2 activation is linked to cancer progression, resistance to chemotherapy, and poorer patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of the Nrf2/Keap1 pathway's role in solid malignancies.
  • To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying Nrf2 hyperactivation in cancer cells.
  • To summarize the development of Nrf2 inhibitors as a potential therapeutic approach for cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on the Nrf2/Keap1 pathway.
  • Analysis of Nrf2's biological impact in solid tumors.
  • Investigation of molecular mechanisms driving Nrf2 hyperactivation.

Main Results:

  • Nrf2 plays a significant role in cancer malignancy and chemoresistance by modulating intracellular redox balance via cytoprotective antioxidant genes.
  • Aberrant Nrf2 activation is associated with malignant progression and poor prognosis in cancer patients.
  • Natural products containing Nrf2 inhibitors are being explored as novel therapeutic agents.

Conclusions:

  • The Nrf2/Keap1 pathway is a critical factor in cancer development and treatment resistance.
  • Understanding Nrf2 hyperactivation mechanisms is key to developing effective cancer therapies.
  • Continued development of Nrf2 inhibitors holds promise for future cancer drug discovery and clinical application.
Keywords:
Nrf2Nrf2 inhibitorscancer therapyoxidative stress

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Exploring Salidroside's Molecular Mechanisms in Breast Cancer Treatment11:13

Author Spotlight: Exploring Salidroside's Molecular Mechanisms in Breast Cancer Treatment

Published on: June 9, 2023

1.9K
Drug-Induced Senescence in Liver Cells Promotes M2 Macrophage Polarization: Implications for Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor-Associated Hepatotoxicity09:31

Drug-Induced Senescence in Liver Cells Promotes M2 Macrophage Polarization: Implications for Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor-Associated Hepatotoxicity

Published on: October 17, 2025

151

Related Concept Videos

Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
8.1K
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
4.1K
Mitogens and the Cell Cycle02:38

Mitogens and the Cell Cycle

Mitogens and their receptors play a crucial role in controlling the progression of the cell cycle. However, the loss of mitogenic control over cell division leads to tumor formation. Therefore, mitogens and mitogen receptors play an important role in cancer research. For instance, the epidermal growth factor (EGF) - a type of mitogen and its transmembrane receptor (EGFR), decides the fate of the cell's proliferation. When EGF binds to EGFR, a member of the ErbB family of tyrosine kinase...
7.3K
Inhibition of Cdk Activity02:34

Inhibition of Cdk Activity

The orderly progression of the cell cycle depends on the activation of Cdk protein by binding to its cyclin partner. However, the cell cycle must be restricted when undergoing abnormal changes. Most cancers correlate to the deregulated cell cycle, and since Cdks are a central component of the cell cycle, Cdk inhibitors are extensively studied to develop anticancer agents. For instance, cyclin D associates with several Cdks, such as Cdk 4/6, to form an active complex. The cyclin D-Cdk4/6 complex...
5.3K
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway02:26

NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway

The transcription factor NF-κB was discovered in 1986 in the lab of Nobel laureate Professor David Baltimore, for its interaction with the immunoglobulin light chain enhancer in B-cells. After more than three decades of study, it is now evident that NF-κB regulates the expression of over 100 genes. Most of these genes play an essential role in the innate and adaptive immune responses as well as the inflammatory responses of animals.
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Mechanism
The...
8.5K
Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II01:46

Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II

The mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) is the main energy generation system in the eukaryotic cells. However, mitochondria also produce cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to the large electron flow during oxidative phosphorylation. While Complex I is one of the primary sources of superoxide radicals, ROS production by Complex II is uncommon and may only be observed in cancer cells with mutated complexes.
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...
16.9K