Non-electrophilic modulators of the canonical Keap1/Nrf2 pathway

Nrf2 is the major transcription factor that regulates many of the cytoprotective enzymes involved in the adaptive stress response. Modulation of Nrf2 could be therapeutically useful in a number of disease states. Activation can occur through either an electrophilic or non-electrophilic mechanism. To date, most of the research has focused on electrophilic Nrf2 activators, but there is increasing interest in non-electrophilic modulators of Nrf2. This Digest examines the current selection of small molecules that modulate Nrf2 through non-electrophilic mechanisms, and it highlights new opportunities for this important therapeutic target.