Quantitative analysis of NRF2 pathway reveals key elements of the regulatory circuits underlying antioxidant response and proliferation of ovarian cancer cells.

•Basal cellular ROS correlates with growth rates (μ) and total NRF2 levels.•Ovarian cancer cells have greater nuclear NRF2 and exogenous ROS removal capacity.•Using our data, we developed a mathematical model of antioxidant signalling system.•Modelling of oxidative stress revealed strict control of ROS by NRF2-KEAP1 system.•Nuclear NRF2 dynamic is key factor in genetic regulation of basal ROS in cells.