Small Molecule Modulators of Keap1‐Nrf2‐ARE Pathway as Potential Preventive and Therapeutic Agents

Abstract K elch‐like ECH ‐associated protein 1 ( K eap1)‐nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 ( N rf2)‐antioxidant response elements ( ARE ) pathway represents one of the most important cellular defense mechanisms against oxidative stress and xenobiotic damage. Activation of N rf2 signaling induces the transcriptional regulation of ARE‐dependent expression of various detoxifying and antioxidant defense enzymes and proteins. Keap1‐Nrf2‐ARE signaling has become an attractive target for the prevention and treatment of oxidative stress‐related diseases and conditions including cancer, neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, metabolic, and inflammatory diseases. Over the last few decades, numerous N rf2 inducers have been developed and some of them are currently undergoing clinical trials. Recently, overactivation of N rf2 has been implicated in cancer progression as well as in drug resistance to cancer chemotherapy. Thus, N rf2 inhibitors could potentially be used to improve the effectiveness of cancer therapy. Herein, we review the signaling mechanism of K eap1‐ N rf2‐ ARE pathway, its disease relevance, and currently known classes of small molecule modulators. We also discuss several aspects of K eap1– N rf2 interaction, N rf2‐based peptide inhibitor design, and the screening assays currently used for the discovery of direct inhibitors of K eap1‐ N rf2 interaction. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev., 32, No. 4, 687‐726, 2012