Dual role of Nrf2 signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma: promoting development, immune evasion, and therapeutic challenges

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Nrf2 has contrasting functions: beneficial in normal liver, but harmful in HCC by promoting growth and survival. Continuous Nrf2 activation promotes advancement, aggressiveness, and immune evasion.

Key Findings

• NRF2 is protective in healthy liver but detrimental in HCC
• Continuous NRF2 activation promotes HCC advancement and immune evasion
• NRF2 overexpression correlates with chemoresistance in HCC
• NRF2 promotes proliferation and metastasis via Bcl-xL and MMP9

Clinical Significance

Citation

Gan, L. et al. (2024). Dual role of Nrf2 in hepatocellular carcinoma. Frontiers in Immunology.