Role of STAT3 and NRF2 in Tumors: Potential Targets for Antitumor Therapy
Yanjun Tian,
Haiqing Liu,
Mengwei Wang,
Ruihao Wang,
Guandong Yi,
Meng Zhang,
Ruijiao Chen
Affiliations
Yanjun Tian
Medical Laboratory of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, Jining 272067, China
Haiqing Liu
Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences (Institute of Basic Medical Sciences), Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250024, China
Mengwei Wang
School of Stomatology, Jining Medical University, Jining 272067, China
Ruihao Wang
School of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining 272067, China
Guandong Yi
School of Nursing, Jining Medical University, Jining 272067, China
Meng Zhang
Medical Laboratory of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, Jining 272067, China
Ruijiao Chen
Medical Laboratory of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, Jining 272067, China
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2 (NRF2, also known as NFE2L2), are two of the most complicated transcription regulators, which participate in a variety of physiological processes. Numerous studies have shown that they are overactivated in multiple types of tumors. Interestingly, STAT3 and NRF2 can also interact with each other to regulate tumor progression. Hence, these two important transcription factors are considered key targets for developing a new class of antitumor drugs. This review summarizes the pivotal roles of the two transcription regulators and their interactions in the tumor microenvironment to identify potential antitumor drug targets and, ultimately, improve patients’ health and survival.
