REVIEW: Does Nrf2 Play a Role of a Master Regulator of Mammalian Aging?

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Roman A. Zinovkin^1,2,a*, Natalia D. Kondratenko^1,2,3, and Ludmila A. Zinovkina³

¹Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia

²Russian Clinical Research Center for Gerontology, Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 129226 Moscow, Russia

³Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received September 13, 2022; Revised November 5, 2022; Accepted November 7, 2022

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For a long time Nrf2 transcription factor has been attracting attention of researchers investigating phenomenon of aging. Numerous studies have investigated effects of Nrf2 on aging and cell senescence. Nrf2 is often considered as a key player in aging processes, however this needs to be proven. It should be noted that most studies were carried out on invertebrate model organisms, such as nematodes and fruit flies, but not on mammals. This paper briefly presents main mechanisms of mammalian aging and role of inflammation and oxidative stress in this process. The mechanisms of Nrf2 activity regulation, its involvement in aging and development of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) are also discussed. Main part of this review is devoted to critical analysis of available experimental data on the role of Nrf2 in mammalian aging.

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KEY WORDS: transcription factor Nrf2, aging, inflammation, oxidative stress, aging theories, age-related changes

DOI: 10.1134/S0006297922120045

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