The Nrf2 pathway is a critical cellular defense mechanism that regulates the expression of antioxidant proteins that protect against oxidative damage triggered by environmental toxins and stressors. Nrf2 is a transcription factor that, under normal conditions, is kept in the cytoplasm by a protein called Keap1. Upon activation by oxidative stress, Nrf2 dissociates from Keap1, translocates to the nucleus, and binds to the antioxidant response element (ARE) to activate the transcription of protective genes.
