N-acetyl-l-cysteine ethyl ester (NACET) induces the transcription factor NRF2 and prevents retinal aging and diabetic retinopathy (opens in new tab)

• N-acetylcysteine ethyl ester (NACET) boosts cysteine, glutathione and activates NRF2 in RPE cells. • Cysteinylation of KEAP1 Cys226/Cys613 drives NRF2 activation by NACET. • Oral NACET activates NRF2 signaling in the retina in vivo. • NACET reduces retinal aging markers and diabetic neurodegeneration. • NACET is a promising therapeutic candidate for oxidative stress-related diseases. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) are leading causes of visual impairment...