Generation and characterization of keap1a- and keap1b-knockout zebrafish.

The Keap1-Nrf2 pathway is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism that protects cells from oxidative stress and electrophiles. Under homeostatic conditions, Keap1 interacts with Nrf2 and leads to its rapid proteasomal degradation, but when cells are exposed to oxidative stress/electrophiles, Keap1 senses them, resulting in an improper Keap1-Nrf2 interaction and Nrf2 stabilization. Keap1 is therefore considered both an "inhibitor" of and "stress sensor" for Nrf2 activation.