Published in:
01-08-2014 | Review - Cancer Research
Nrf2: bane or blessing in cancer?
Authors:
MingJun Xiang, Akhileshwar Namani, ShiJun Wu, XiaoLi Wang
Published in:
Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology
|
Issue 8/2014
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Abstract
Background
The Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)–nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)–antioxidant response element pathway serves a major function in endogenous cytoprotection in normal cells. Nrf2 is a transcription factor that mainly regulates the expression of a wide array of genes that produce the antioxidants and other proteins responsible for the detoxification of xenobiotics and reactive oxygen species. Nrf2 mediates the chemoprevention of cancer in normal cells.
Results and discussion
Growing body of evidence suggests that Nrf2 is not only involved in the chemoprevention of normal cells but also promotes the growth of cancer cells. However, the mechanism underlying the function of Nrf2 in oncogenesis and tumor protection in cancer cells remains unclear and thus requires further study.
Conclusion
This review aims to rationalize the existing functions of Nrf2 in chemoprevention and tumorigenesis, as well as the somatic mutations of Nrf2 and Keap1 in cancer and Nrf2 cross talk with miRNAs. This review also discusses the future challenges in Nrf2 research.