Figure 1.

Schematic representation of the Nrf2/Keap1 intracellular pathway.

Notes: Under normal conditions, Keap1 binds Nrf2 in the cytoplasm and promotes both the Cullin-3 containing ubiquitin E3 ligase ubiquitination of Nrf2 and its targeting for degradation by the proteasome. When Nrf2 is stabilized through electrophiles, oxidants, or other agents that can interact with Keap1 cysteine thiols, or by agents that increase kinase-dependent phosphorylation of Nrf2, it can accumulate in the nucleus, form heterodimers with small Maf proteins, and bind with the ARE of target genes.

Abbreviations: Nrf2, nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2; ARE, antioxidant response element; Keap1, Kelch-Like ECH-Associated Protein 1.