The role of Nrf2 signaling in counteracting neurodegenerative diseases

Albena T. Dinkova-Kostova, Rumen V. Kostov, Aleksey G. Kazantsev

    Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

    253 Citations (Scopus)
    402 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    The transcription factor Nrf2 (nuclear factor-erythroid 2 p45-related factor 2) functions at the interface of cellular redox and intermediary metabolism. Nrf2 target genes encode antioxidant enzymes, and proteins involved in xenobiotic detoxification, repair and removal of damaged proteins and organelles, inflammation, and mitochondrial bioenergetics. The function of Nrf2 is altered in many neurodegenerative disorders, such as Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Friedreich's ataxia. Nrf2 activation mitigates multiple pathogenic processes involved in these neurodegenerative disorders through upregulation of antioxidant defenses, inhibition of inflammation, improvement of mitochondrial function, and maintenance of protein homeostasis. Small molecule pharmacological activators of Nrf2 have shown protective effects in numerous animal models of neurodegenerative diseases, and in cultures of human cells expressing mutant proteins. Targeting Nrf2 signaling may provide a therapeutic option to delay onset, slow progression, and ameliorate symptoms of neurodegenerative disorders.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)3576-3590
    Number of pages15
    JournalFEBS Journal
    Volume285
    Issue number19
    Early online date11 Jan 2018
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 2018

    Keywords

    • Neurodegeneration
    • Neuroinflammation
    • Neuroprotection
    • Nrf2 activator
    • Oxidative stress
    • neuroinflammation
    • neuroprotection
    • neurodegeneration
    • oxidative stress

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Molecular Biology
    • Biochemistry
    • Cell Biology

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