AEM1 (ARE expression modulator 1) is also a selective inhibitor of sirtuin 2, which is a protein deacetylase mediated by NAD+. Sirtuin 2 supports tumor cell proliferation, thus its inhibition stimulates cell death in tumors.
AEM1 is a potent inhibitor of deregulated Nrf2 transcriptional activity. AEM1 broadly decreases the expression of NRF2 controlled genes and sensitizes A549 cells to various chemotherapeutic agents.