Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2025

A Novel In Vitro Wound Healing Assay to Evaluate Cell Migration
Published on: March 17, 2018
Targeting NRF2 to promote epithelial repair
1Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, Department of Biology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Otto-Stern-Weg 7, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland.
Abstract:
The transcription factor NRF2 is well known as a master regulator of the cellular stress response. As such, activation of NRF2 has gained widespread attention for its potential to prevent tissue injury, but also as a possible therapeutic approach to promote repair processes. While NRF2 activation affects most or even all cell types, its effect on epithelial cells during repair processes has been particularly well studied. In response to tissue injury, these cells proliferate, migrate and/or spread to effectively repair the damage. In this review, we discuss how NRF2 governs repair of epithelial tissues, and we highlight the increasing number of NRF2 targets with diverse roles in regulating epithelial repair.
Insights
The transcription factor NRF2 regulates cellular stress responses and promotes tissue repair, particularly in epithelial cells. This review explores NRF2
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- The transcription factor NRF2 is a key regulator of the cellular stress response.
- NRF2 activation is investigated for its potential in preventing tissue injury and promoting repair.
- Epithelial cells play a crucial role in tissue repair through proliferation and migration.
Approach:
- This review synthesizes current research on the role of NRF2 in epithelial tissue repair.
- It examines how NRF2 influences the processes of proliferation and migration in epithelial cells post-injury.
- The review highlights identified NRF2 target genes involved in epithelial repair mechanisms.
Key Points:
- NRF2 governs the repair of epithelial tissues following injury.
- Activation of NRF2 supports epithelial cell proliferation and migration essential for repair.
- Numerous NRF2 targets with diverse functions in epithelial repair are identified.
Conclusions:
- NRF2 is a critical factor in the repair of epithelial tissues.
- Understanding NRF2's role offers therapeutic strategies for enhancing tissue regeneration.
- Further research into NRF2 targets will elucidate mechanisms of epithelial repair.
Related Concept Videos
Clinical Applications of Epidermal Stem Cells
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Mechanism
The...
Long-patch Base Excision Repair
Role of Ephrin-Eph Signalling in Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal
Nucleotide Excision Repair
Tissue Renewal without Stem Cells
However, failure of such a system...

