Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 (Nrf2) and its negative regulator Kelch-Like ECH-Associated Protein 1 (Keap1) provide vital protection in maintaining cellular redox. In parallel, Nrf2 also aids the resolution of inflammation and also tissue repair. In homeostatic conditions, the transcription factor Nrf2 is controlled in a cytoplasmic complex with Keap1 with ubiquitination and protein degradation. Nrf2 has been linked to numerous cancers due to mutations affecting the binding region of Nrf2 to Keap1, resulting in Nrf2 dissociating from the complex. Nrf2 constitutively accumulates in the nucleus and activation of prosurvival genes that promote cancer cell proliferation.

The Neh2 region of Nrf2 interacts with Keap1, as shown by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The 16 amino acid peptide (AFFAQLQLDEETGEFL) (69-84) flanks the conserved ETGE motif and can replicate the binding to keap1.

Therapeutics targeting the Nrf2 signalling pathway and activation of Nrf2 is a keen area of research, with many cancers being linked to Nrf2, particularly pancreatic cancer. Additionally, activation of Nrf2 has become a possible target as a treatment for COVID. Nrf2 (69-84) replicating full-length Nrf2 binding has been helpful in all cases.