Nrf2 (NFE2L2 – nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2) is a transcription factor, which is repressed by interaction with a redox-sensitive protein Keap1 (Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1). Deregulation of Nrf2 transcriptional activity has been described in the pathogenesis of multiple diseases, and the Nrf2/Keap1 axis has emerged as a crucial modulator of cellular homeostasis. Whereas the significance of Nrf2 in the modulation of biological processes has been well established and broadly discussed in detail, the focus on Keap1 rarely goes beyond the regulation of Nrf2 activity and redox sensing. However, recent studies and scrutinized analysis of available data point to Keap1 as an intriguing and potent regulator of cellular function. This review aims to shed more light on Keap1 structure, interactome, regulation and non-canonical functions, thereby enhancing its significance in cell biology. We also intend to highlight the impact of balance between Keap1 and Nrf2 in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis.

Nrf2（ NFE2L2 – 核因子（红细胞衍生 2）样 2）是一种转录因子，通过与氧化还原敏感蛋白 Keap1（Kelch 样 ECH 相关蛋白 1）相互作用而受到抑制。 Nrf2 转录活性的失调已在多种疾病的发病机制中得到描述，Nrf2/Keap1 轴已成为细胞稳态的重要调节剂。尽管 Nrf2 在生物过程调节中的重要性已得到充分证实并得到广泛详细讨论，但对 Keap1 的关注很少超出 Nrf2 活性和氧化还原传感的调节。然而，最近的研究和对现有数据的仔细分析表明 Keap1 是一种有趣且有效的细胞功能调节剂。本综述旨在进一步阐明 Keap1 结构、相互作用组、调控和非规范功能，从而增强其在细胞生物学中的重要性。我们还打算强调 Keap1 和 Nrf2 之间的平衡在维持细胞稳态中的影响。