ABSTRACT
The epoxy chloropropane Kelch sample related protein-1(Keap1)-nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor(Nrf2)/ antioxidant response element(ARE)signal pathway is of critical importance in cellular antioxidant response. The induction of downstream phase II metabolic enzymes and antioxidant protein/enzyme offers cellular protection under oxidative stress. Research of Nrf2 protein has gained much attention in recent years. This article reviewes Keap1-Nrf2/ARE signal pathway in three perspectives:the basic structure including the structure of Nrf2, Keap1 and ARE, their involvement in anti-oxidative actions including the basic function of Keap1-Nrf2/ARE signal pathway and the downstream activation of phase II metabolic enzymes and antioxidant protein/enzyme, as well as their regulation mechanisms, such as decoupling, degradation, the latch and the hinge.