Zhang · 2026 · ACS chemical neuroscience
2026 review: a map of seven research pathways
Which biological pathways are being studied in sulforaphane and autism research?
Literature · mechanistic review
Key findings
Seven candidate pathways
Connects pathways from antioxidant defense through heat-shock responses and autophagy.
Evidence from multiple experimental levels
Evidence from cell, animal, and clinical studies was reviewed together.
A review outlining research directions
Candidate pathways and mechanistic hypotheses for testing in later studies were organized.
Detailed results
Seven pathways organize the shared research questions.
This review connects earlier findings on antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects with neurodevelopment, organizing molecular pathways proposed in various experiments.
| Pathway | Main role |
|---|---|
| Keap1/Nrf2/ARE | Regulation of cellular defense and antioxidant genes |
| MAPKs | Signaling in response to cellular stimulation |
| NF-κB | Regulation of inflammation-related genes |
| HSR | Heat-shock and protein stress responses |
| AhR/CYP1 | Detection and metabolism of foreign compounds |
| Sirtuin-FOXO | Cell metabolism and stress responses |
| mTOR/autophagy | Growth signaling and cellular recycling |
Candidate pathways proposed in the review and their main roles.
Connecting cell, animal, and clinical research
Earlier research on antioxidant gene responses in cells, behavioral changes in animals, and communication and daily function in humans was reviewed together.
Topics for follow-up research
The authors discussed research directions linking interactions among molecular pathways with behavior and daily life in humans.
Study design
A review organizing mechanisms linked to oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular defense based on earlier studies.
- Participants
- Earlier cell, animal, and clinical literature
Review of existing research - Intake and observation
- 2026 mechanistic review
Seven candidate signaling pathways - Measures
- NRF2, MAPK, NF-κB, heat-shock response, AhR, Sirtuin-FOXO, and mTOR/autophagy
Study context
A mechanistic review organizing seven candidate pathways proposed in earlier cell, animal, and clinical literature.
Original paper and sources
Emerging Promise of Sulforaphane in Autism: A Comprehensive Review of Its Therapeutic Potential and Mechanisms.
- Journal
- ACS chemical neuroscience · 2026 · 17(15): 2880-2892
- First published
- 2026-07-20