title: Nrf2 promotes survival following exposure to ionizing radiation.
abstract: Nrf2 is a transcription factor that promotes antioxidant and drug-metabolizing gene expression. It also regulates the transcription of genes involved in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, NADPH regeneration, and heme and iron metabolism, as well as proteasome metabolism. Emerging research has identified Nrf2 as a critical factor for promoting survival of mammalian cells subjected to ionizing radiation. At a mechanistic level, Nrf2 promotes the repair of DNA damage and drives detoxification of superoxide that is generated hours to days after irradiation. This review summarizes research in these areas and discusses targeting of Nrf2 in radiation-resistant cancer and Nrf2׳s role in mitigating acute radiation syndrome.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
authors.forename: Konjeti R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Sekhar
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA. Electronic address: michael.freeman@vanderbilt.edu.
authors.forename: Michael L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Freeman
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000502:physiology* / Q000528:radiation effects; D004260:DNA Repair / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D051267:NF-E2-Related Factor 2 / Q000378:metabolism*; D011836:Radiation Tolerance / Q000502:physiology*; D011839:Radiation, Ionizing
chemical_list: D051267:NF-E2-Related Factor 2
keywords: Cell and tissue damage; DNA repair; Ionizing radiation; Nrf2; Reactive oxygen species