Abstract
Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), which is also known as nuclear factor erythroid-derived-like-2, is a transcription factor which is encoded by the NFE2L2 gene. It is a basic leucine zipper (bZIP) protein which coordinates the basal and stress-inducible activation of a vast array of cytoprotective genes. It modulates a cellular antioxidant response program and plays a major role in the protection against oxidants and electrophiles; extracellular and intracellular oxidant/electrophiles have great contributions to the damages in cellular macromolecules such as proteins, lipids or DNA. Keap1 protein which is a regulator of Nrf2, is a highly redox-sensitive member of BTB-Kelch family assembling with Cul3 protein to form a Cullin-RING E3 ligase complex for Nrf2 degradation. Thus, this factor is a regulator of many processes of life and it’s signalling system (Nrf2-KEAP-1-ARE pathway) has been found to participate in various ocular or eye diseases and even other systemic diseases such as respiratory disease, chronic diseases or cancer. In microbial infections, the host oxidative stress response may lead to the production of cytoprotective molecules, which in turn induces the activation of cellular Nrf2 factor. The crystallins or eye lens proteins, (?B-crystallin being one of them) may possibly interact with Nrf2 factor and regulate oxidative stress, but it is yet to be deciphered. Proteomic studies may provide valuable information, regarding such detailed protein interactions and their pathways especially in case of diseases or infections in the upcoming days.