NRF-mediated autophagy and UPR: Exploring new avenues to overcome cancer chemo-resistance

Abstract

The development of chemo-resistance remains a significant hurdle in effective cancer therapy. NRF1 and NRF2, key regulators of redox homeostasis, play crucial roles in the cellular response to oxidative stress, with implications for both tumor growth and resistance to chemotherapy. This study delves into the dualistic role of NRF2, exploring its protective functions in normal cells and its paradoxical support of tumor survival and drug resistance in cancerous cells. We investigate the interplay between the PERK/NRF signaling pathway, ER stress, autophagy, and the unfolded protein response, offering a mechanistic perspective on how these processes contribute to chemoresistance. Our findings suggest that targeting NRF signaling pathways may offer new avenues for overcoming resistance to chemotherapeutic agents, highlighting the importance of a nuanced approach to redox regulation in cancer treatment. This research provides a molecular basis for the development of NRF-targeted therapies, potentially enhancing the efficacy of existing cancer treatments and offering hope for more effective management of resistant tumors.