NRF2 (Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2), one of basic leucine zipper transcription factors, which serves as an essential activator of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes and phases II detoxifying enzymes such as HO-1 (Heme oxygenase-1), NQO1 (NAD(P)H dehydrogenase, quinone 1), PRDX1(Peroxiredoxin1), and GCLC (glutamate-cystine ligase catalytic subunit)5, is upregulated or activated in various radioresistant cancer cells, including lung cancer6,7, alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma8, hepatoma9, and breast cancer10. The gene discussed is HMOX1; the disease is cancer.