Regulatory role of NF-E2-related factor 2 pathway in mitochondrial function / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

ABSTRACT

NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a member of the CNC basic leucine zipper (b-ZIP) family, which plays a key role in maintaining cell redox homeostasis, regulating energy metabolism, inflammatory response, apoptosis, and autophagy. Mitochondria are the main sites for ATP synthesis, and one of the main sources of reactive oxygen free radicals. Recently, increasing studies have suggested that Nrf2 pathway may play a critical role in regulation of mitochondrial function in various ways and involving multiple mechanisms, thus regulating cellular responses and adverse outcomes to endogenous stimuli. These include regulation of reactive oxygen species levels, inhibition of mitochondrial membrane potential decline, promotion of ATP synthesis, protection of mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation and oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondrial biogenesis, and maintenance of mitochondrial integrity as well as mitochondrial autophagy. In addition, Nrf2 pathway also plays an important role in regulation of toxicant induced mitohormesis. This review summarizes recent research progress in the regulation of mitochondrial function by Nrf2 pathway and its mechanism.