Nrf2 Connects Cellular Autophagy and Vascular Senescence in Atherosclerosis: A Mini-Review.

Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a transcriptional factor that maintains intracellular redox equilibrium, modulates the expression of antioxidant genes, scavenger receptors, and cholesterol efflux transporters, all of which contribute significantly to foam cell development and plaque formation. Nrf2 has recently emerged as a key regulator that connects autophagy and vascular senescence in atherosclerosis. Autophagy, a cellular mechanism involved in the breakdown and recycling of damaged proteins and organelles, and cellular senescence, a state of irreversible growth arrest, are both processes implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.