Kelch Like ECH Associated Protein 1 (KEAP1)

KEAP1 encodes a protein containing KELCH-1 like domains, as well as a BTB/POZ domain. Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 interacts with NF-E2-related factor 2 in a redox-sensitive manner and the dissociation of the proteins in the cytoplasm is followed by transportation of NF-E2-related factor 2 to the nucleus. This interaction results in the expression of the catalytic subunit of gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase. Two alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding the same isoform have been found for this gene.Kelch motifs of Keap1 interact with the Neh2 domain of Nrf2 and that this interaction is required for the repression of Nrf2 by Keap1. Fluorescence microscopy demonstrated that Keap1 is expressed in the cytoplasm with Nrf2.