What is the significance of KEAP1 in environmental toxicology?
In environmental toxicology, KEAP1's role as a gatekeeper of the Nrf2 pathway is critical for understanding how organisms respond to environmental toxins. Exposure to pollutants, heavy metals, and other toxic substances can lead to oxidative stress, challenging the body's ability to maintain cellular integrity. KEAP1's regulation of the Nrf2 pathway helps balance the protective responses against such insults and plays a role in modulating the toxicity of environmental chemicals.
