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NFE2L2

Domain

The ETGE motif, and to a lower extent the DLG motif, mediate interaction with KEAP1.

Function

Transcription factor that plays a key role in the response to oxidative stress: binds to antioxidant response (ARE) elements present in the promoter region of many cytoprotective genes, such as phase 2 detoxifying enzymes, and promotes their expression, thereby neutralizing reactive electrophiles (PubMed:11035812, PubMed:19489739, PubMed:29018201, PubMed:31398338). In normal conditions, ubiquitinated and degraded in the cytoplasm by the BCR(KEAP1) complex (PubMed:11035812, PubMed:15601839, PubMed:29018201). In response to oxidative stress, electrophile metabolites inhibit activity of the BCR(KEAP1) complex, promoting nuclear accumulation of NFE2L2/NRF2, heterodimerization with one of the small Maf proteins and binding to ARE elements of cytoprotective target genes (PubMed:19489739, PubMed:29590092). The NFE2L2/NRF2 pathway is also activated in response to selective autophagy: autophagy promotes interaction between KEAP1 and SQSTM1/p62 and subsequent inactivation of the BCR(KEAP1) complex, leading to NFE2L2/NRF2 nuclear accumulation and expression of cytoprotective genes (PubMed:20452972). May also be involved in the transcriptional activation of genes of the beta-globin cluster by mediating enhancer activity of hypersensitive site 2 of the beta-globin locus control region (PubMed:7937919).

Involvement in disease

Immunodeficiency, developmental delay, and hypohomocysteinemia

IMDDHH

An early onset multisystem disorder characterized by immunodeficiency, recurrent infections, developmental delay, poor growth, intellectual disability, and hypohomocysteinemia. Some patients manifest congenital cardiac defects. IMDDHH inheritance pattern is autosomal dominant.

None

The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry.

Post-translational modifications

Ubiquitinated in the cytoplasm by the BCR(KEAP1) E3 ubiquitin ligase complex leading to its degradation (PubMed:15601839, PubMed:15983046, PubMed:19489739). In response to oxidative stress, electrophile metabolites, such as sulforaphane, modify KEAP1, leading to inhibit activity of the BCR(KEAP1) complex, promoting NFE2L2/NRF2 nuclear accumulation and activity (PubMed:19489739, PubMed:29590092). In response to autophagy, the BCR(KEAP1) complex is inactivated (By similarity).

Phosphorylation of Ser-40 by PKC in response to oxidative stress dissociates NFE2L2 from its cytoplasmic inhibitor KEAP1, promoting its translocation into the nucleus.

Acetylation at Lys-596 and Lys-599 increases nuclear localization whereas deacetylation by SIRT1 enhances cytoplasmic presence.

Glycation impairs transcription factor activity by preventing heterodimerization with small Maf proteins (PubMed:31398338). Deglycation by FN3K restores activity (PubMed:31398338).

Sequence similarities

Belongs to the bZIP family. CNC subfamily.

Tissue specificity

Widely expressed. Highest expression in adult muscle, kidney, lung, liver and in fetal muscle.

Cellular localization

  • Cytoplasm
  • Cytosol
  • Nucleus
  • Cytosolic under unstressed conditions: ubiquitinated and degraded by the BCR(KEAP1) E3 ubiquitin ligase complex (PubMed:15601839, PubMed:21196497). Translocates into the nucleus upon induction by electrophilic agents that inactivate the BCR(KEAP1) E3 ubiquitin ligase complex (PubMed:21196497).

Alternative names

  • Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2
  • NF-E2-related factor 2
  • NFE2-related factor 2
  • Nrf-2
  • HEBP1
  • NRF2
  • NFE2L2

Target type

Proteins

Primary research area

Neuroscience

Other research areas

  • Epigenetics

Molecular weight

67827Da