The NRF2/KEAP1 Axis in the Regulation of Tumor Metabolism: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Perspectives

Abstract

The NRF2/KEAP1 pathway is a fundamental signaling cascade that controls multiple cytoprotective responses through the induction of a complex transcriptional program that ultimately renders cancer cells resistant to oxidative, metabolic and therapeutic stress. Interestingly, accumulating evidence in recent years has indicated that metabolic reprogramming is closely interrelated with the regulation of redox homeostasis, suggesting that the disruption of NRF2 signaling might represent a valid therapeutic strategy against a variety of solid and hematologic cancers. These aspects will be the focus of the present review.

Keywords

• NRF2–KEAP1
• oxidative stress
• metabolic reprogramming
• reactive oxygen species
• chemoresistance