Donna Zhang

Donna Zhang has elucidated the molecular mechanisms of NRF2/KEAP1 signaling in cancer, demonstrating how constitutive NRF2 activation drives multidrug resistance by upregulating drug efflux transporters, glutathione conjugation enzymes, and antioxidant defense systems that collectively neutralize chemotherapeutic agents. Her work revealed the dual role of NRF2 in cancer: protective during early carcinogenesis through phase II enzyme induction but tumorigenic once cancer is established through pro-survival antioxidant programs. She identified brusatol as an NRF2 inhibitor that sensitizes resistant tumors to chemotherapy. Her research provides the mechanistic rationale for stage-specific NRF2 modulation in cancer prevention and treatment.