Interplay between Nrf2 and NF-κB in Neuroinflammatory Diseases

Abstract

Many neurodegenerative conditions involve redox imbalance and neuroinflammation. Nuclear factor erythroid 2- related factor 2 (Nrf2) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) are key transcription factors regulating antioxidant and inflammatory pathways, respectively. These two opposing factors are inversely regulated, with activity of one most often accompanied by diminished activity of the other, giving rise to the oxidative stress and neuroinflammation evident in neurodegeneration. Emerging evidence is uncovering a complex interplay between Nrf2 and NF-κB, involving extensive interaction of regulatory mechanisms including cytosolic activators and repressors, transactivation partners and direct transcriptional crosstalk. Understanding these interactions may provide insight into the pathophysiology of neuroinflammatory diseases and facilitate discovery of novel therapeutic targets.