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Nrf2 Pathway

Meaning

The Nrf2 Pathway, short for Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 pathway, is a master regulatory system within the cell that governs the expression of hundreds of genes involved in the cellular defense against oxidative stress, inflammation, and xenobiotic toxicity. Nrf2 acts as a transcriptional factor, residing primarily in the cytoplasm until activated by cellular stressors, whereupon it translocates to the nucleus to initiate the transcription of cytoprotective enzymes, including heme oxygenase-1 and glutathione S-transferases. Maintaining the robust activity of this pathway is essential for cellular resilience, longevity, and protecting endocrine tissues from damage.