Under normal conditions, Nrf2 is bound to its inhibitor, Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), in the cytoplasm. In response to oxidative stress or electrophilic stress, Nrf2 is released from Keap1 and translocates to the nucleus. Once in the nucleus, Nrf2 binds to the antioxidant response elements (ARE) in the promoter regions of target genes, initiating the transcription of various cytoprotective genes.
