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Updated: Oct 21, 2025
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Protocol for the Differentiation of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells into Mixed Cultures of Neurons and Glia for Neurotoxicity Testing
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Targeting NRF2 and Its Downstream Processes: Opportunities and Challenges.
Laura Torrente1, Gina M DeNicola1
1Department of Cancer Physiology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA;
Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology
|September 9, 2021
Summary
Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) protects cells from stress but cancer hijacks it for survival and treatment resistance. This review explores blocking NRF2 in tumors to improve cancer therapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is a transcription factor that regulates cytoprotective and metabolic genes.
- NRF2 activation is a defense mechanism against carcinogens in healthy tissues.
- Cancer cells exploit NRF2 for redox balance, metabolic needs, and resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of NRF2 in cancer progression.
- To discuss strategies for inhibiting NRF2 signaling in tumors.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of NRF2's function in cancer.
- Analysis of therapeutic approaches targeting NRF2.
Main Results:
- NRF2 plays a dual role in cancer: protective in early stages, but exploited by established cancers.
- Aberrant NRF2 activation promotes cancer cell survival and therapeutic resistance.
Conclusions:
- Targeting NRF2 is a promising strategy to overcome cancer's adaptive mechanisms.
- Further research is needed to develop effective NRF2 inhibitors for cancer treatment.
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