Progress in Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway and drug-resistance of tumor / 肿瘤

ABSTRACT

Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), an important transcription factor, is able to regulate Nrf2/antioxidant response element (ARE) signaling pathway, including the expressions of a series of cytoprotective proteins such as heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), glutathione-S -transferase (GST) and quinine oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), so as to maintain redox homeostasis and play a significant role in the prevention of cancer. However, the recent studies show that Nrf2 has another side. Nrf2 may promote the occurrence and development of tumors, and lead to drug resistance of tumor to chemotherapy, resulting in tremendous difficulties to the clinical treatment of tumors. Therefore, Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway is regarded as a breakthrough in overcoming drug resistance. This review summarizes the basic features and functions of Nrf2/ ARE signaling pathway, the dual functions of Nrf2, and the relationship between Nrf2 and multidrug resistance of tumors, all of which should facilitate the development of new strategies to improve chemotherapeutic efficacy.