Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 17, 2025

Dual CRISPR-Interference Strategy for Targeting Synthetic Lethal Interactions Between Non-Coding RNAs in Cancer Cells
07:23

Dual CRISPR-Interference Strategy for Targeting Synthetic Lethal Interactions Between Non-Coding RNAs in Cancer Cells

Published on: May 30, 2025

527

Dual role of Nrf2 in cancer: molecular mechanisms, cellular functions and therapeutic interventions

M Poornashree1, Hitesh Kumar1, Ramkishan Ajmeer2

  • 1Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, 570015, Mysuru, India.

Molecular Biology Reports
|December 13, 2022
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) plays a dual role in cancer, promoting tumor growth and resistance. Inhibiting Nrf2 shows promise as an effective cancer therapy by targeting these pro-tumorigenic functions.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research
  • Cellular Signaling

Background:

  • Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) regulates oxidative stress, crucial for cellular function.
  • Aberrant Nrf2 activation in malignancies promotes tumor cell survival, proliferation, and resistance to therapy.
  • Nrf2 is linked to chemoresistance, radioresistance, and inflammation-driven carcinogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted roles of Nrf2 in cancer development and progression.
  • To explore the mechanisms underlying Nrf2's dual function in malignancies.
  • To discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting Nrf2 in cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies investigating Nrf2 pathways in cancer.
  • Analysis of genetic mutations and anomalies affecting Nrf2 activation in tumors.
  • Examination of Nrf2's impact on cellular processes like metabolic reprogramming and apoptosis.

Main Results:

  • Somatic mutations in Nrf2 and associated tumor suppressor genes (TP53, CDKN2A, PTEN, PIK3CA) are common in various cancers.
  • Uncontrolled Nrf2 activation confers resistance to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and reactive oxygen species (ROS).
  • Nrf2 influences cancer stem cell self-renewal and metabolic reprogramming, aiding tumor adaptation and spread.

Conclusions:

  • Nrf2 is a significant target for novel cancer therapeutic strategies.
  • Understanding Nrf2's complex roles is key to developing effective Nrf2 inhibitors for cancer treatment.
  • Targeting Nrf2 offers a promising approach to overcome cancer cell resistance and improve treatment outcomes.
Keywords:
Anti-oncogenicAnti-oxidationDual roleNrf2Pro-oncogenicTherapeutics

More Related Videos

Utilizing Functional Genomics Screening to Identify Potentially Novel Drug Targets in Cancer Cell Spheroid Cultures07:48

Utilizing Functional Genomics Screening to Identify Potentially Novel Drug Targets in Cancer Cell Spheroid Cultures

Published on: December 26, 2016

11.4K
Network Pharmacology Prediction and Experimental Validation of Trichosanthes-Fritillaria thunbergii Action Mechanism Against Lung Adenocarcinoma13:18

Network Pharmacology Prediction and Experimental Validation of Trichosanthes-Fritillaria thunbergii Action Mechanism Against Lung Adenocarcinoma

Published on: March 3, 2023

1.3K

Related Concept Videos

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...
7.8K
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...
7.8K
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...
6.6K
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...
14.8K
Transducer Mechanism: Nuclear Receptors01:31

Transducer Mechanism: Nuclear Receptors

Nuclear receptors, or NRs, are unique transcription factors that regulate gene transcription and affect the cellular pathways involved in reproduction, development, or metabolism. Their ability to be stimulated by small lipophilic ligands and control vital cellular processes makes them ideal drug targets. Nearly 10-15% of currently prescribed drugs target these receptors.
About 48 different soluble family members of nuclear receptors are identified that can be divided into two main classes:
1.5K
Abnormal Proliferation02:23

Abnormal Proliferation

Under normal conditions, most adult cells remain in a non-proliferative state unless stimulated by internal or external factors to replace lost cells. Abnormal cell proliferation is a condition in which the cell's growth exceeds and is uncoordinated with normal cells. In such situations, cell division persists in the same excessive manner even after cessation of the stimuli, leading to persistent tumors. The tumor arises from the damaged cells that replicate to pass the damage to the...
4.6K