NrF2
Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is a transcription factor that regulates the cellular defense against toxic and oxidative insults. It activates over 500 genes via molecules called sirtuins.
NRF2 is activated in response to oxidative stress and induces the expression of its target genes by binding to the antioxidant response element (ARE). It coordinates the basal and stress-inducible activation of a vast array of cytoprotective genes.
NRF2 can be activated through:
- Exercise
- Calorie restriction (including fasting)
- Ingestion of natural nutrients that are NRF2 activators
- Sulforaphane, a compound produced in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, and Brussels sprouts
Understanding the regulation of Nrf2 activity and downstream pathways has major implications for human health.
Videos
What is it?
Nrf2 & YOU: The Nervous System Breakthrough
Beneficial Toxins: Phytochemicals, Hormesis, and Nrf2 | Masterclass With Masterjohn 1.8
Articles/Studies
Nrf2 regulation is a critical component of innate immune response on the early onset to antimicrobial attack.
Role of hydrogen sulfide in NRF2- and sirtuin-dependent maintenance of cellular redox balance.
The Most Important And Ancient Antioxidant Switch Inside You That You Never Knew About - Our most powerful detoxification lies deep within, with a master antioxidant switch that is inside every cell of our body.It is called Nrf2 (pronounced Nurf-2, and short for nuclear factor [erythroid-2])–related factor 2) and it is so important it is found in all mammalian species. Nrf2 is an exquisitely sensitive cellular switch that, when turned on, regulates the activity of over 200 genes, almost all of them involved in either antioxidant defense or detoxification. Nrf2 is capable of activating powerful protective genes and signaling molecules that are critical for our processing of drugs and toxins, for dampening inflammation, removing damaged proteins, and helping repair DNA.The fact that it regulates so many diverse genes shows that it is critical to life. Nrf2 is found in all tissues of the body, and in especially high levels in the kidney and liver, our critical organs of detoxification. In fact, scientists are now exploring ways to enhance Nrf2 to help regenerate the kidney and liver by increasing levels of Nrf2. When Nrf2 is activated it can help mitochondria, the energy powerhouses inside our cells, increase energy production. By increasing the activity of certain genes, it can promote muscle repair and recovery. It increases the activity of the gene for glutathione reductase, the enzyme that helps return glutathione to its potent, reduced antioxidant state. Genes involved in our internal antioxidants, superoxide dismutase and catalase, are also increased by Nrf2.
Nrf2 implicated as a novel therapeutic target for renal regeneration after acute kidney injury
Nrf2: a potential target for new therapeutics in liver disease
Astaxanthin as a modulator of Nrf2, NF-κB, and their crosstalk.
Olive Leaf Extract has the potential to downregulate Nrf2 signaling attenuating inflammation
NrF2 & Exercise
Nrf2 mediates redox adaptations to exercise
Exercise-induced oxidative stress and hypoxic exercise recovery