Abstract

NRF2 GENE: STRUCTURE, MECHANISM AND ITS RELEVANCE IN RECENT MEDICAL RESEARCH

*Manasa M. S.

ABSTRACT

The multifunctional transcription regulator, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a master regulator of cellular defenses. Nrf2 gene plays a central role in protecting cells from cellular damages caused by various stress inducing factors including that of both internal metabolism and environmental toxicant exposure. Studies in model organisms indicate the activation of Nrf2 pathways in ageing-related diseases and suggest the possibility of using Nrf2 as a therapeutic target to promote longevity in humans. Interestingly, later studies also indicated that overexpression of Nrf2 gene could cause deleterious effect in cells such as activation of oncogenes. This has led researchers to unravel the complex molecular pathways associated with sustained Nrf2 activation. Lower model organisms such as Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila are two most popular study materials of Nrf2 research as they have human Nrf2 orthologs. However, they may no longer act as a reliable source to investigate the therapeutic use of Nrf2 as the human Nrf2 signalling pathways are much more complex than that of lower model organisms. The threshold of gene expression level above which the Nrf2 activation goes wrong is yet to be identified. The current medical field needs more extensive research studies on Nrf2 as it could be a powerful tool to build a society of healthy old age population and such a society with no or less burden of aged people could develop a high standard of socioeconomic status. The present review outlines the structure, functioning and recent researches of Nrf2 gene.

Keywords: Nrf2, Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila, Ageing-related diseases, Longevity.