Drosophila Keap1 Proteins Assemble Nuclear Condensates in Response to Oxidative Stress.

ABSTRACT: The Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway is a central regulator of transcriptional responses to oxidative stress and is strongly linked to diverse pathologies, particularly cancer. In the cytoplasm, Keap1 (Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1) promotes proteasomal degradation of Nrf2 (NF-E2-related factor 2). Oxidative stimuli disrupt the Keap1-Nrf2 interaction, facilitating Nrf2 nuclear accumulation and activation of antioxidant and detoxifying genes. Recent evidence suggests that Keap1 family proteins also enter the nucleus, bind chromatin, and regulate transcription, but the underlying mechanisms remain less understood. Here, we show that the Drosophila Keap1 ortholog, dKeap1, accumulates in the nucleus and gradually assembles stable nuclear foci in cells following oxidative treatment. FR

SUBMITTER: Ji G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12838377 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature