KEAP1 is a cytoplasmic protein that serves as a critical regulator of the Nrf2 (Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) pathway. Its primary function is to bind to Nrf2 under basal conditions, facilitating the ubiquitination and subsequent proteasomal degradation of Nrf2. This interaction prevents the overactivation of Nrf2 and maintains cellular homeostasis. KEAP1 contains several key domains, including the BTB (Broad-Complex, Tramtrack, and Bric-Ã -brac) domain for dimerization, the IVR (Intervening region) for binding with Nrf2, and the Kelch domain for substrate recognition.
