Role of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 in metabolic homeostasis and insulin action: A novel opportunity for diabetes treatment?

Figure 1 Oxidative stress promotes anti-oxidative gene expression via nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 activation. In a basal state, free Nrf2 level is very low because it forms a complex with Keap1 and the E3 ligase Cul3-Rbx-1, leading to its proteasome degradation. Under the stimulation of oxidative stress, the level of free Nrf2 increases as it is dissociated with Keap1. Free Nrf2 molecules will then enter the nuclei, bind to the cis-element ARE and stimulate the expression of Nrf2 target genes[7]. ARE: Antioxidant response element; Cul3: Cullin 3; E3: Ubiquitin ligase; Keap1: Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1; Nrf2: Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2; Rbx-1: RING box protein 1.