Persistent expression of Nqo1 by p62-mediated Nrf2 activation facilitates p53-dependent mitotic catastrophe

► Upon prolonged mitosis, cells undergo p53-dependent mitotic catastrophe. ► p62-deficient cells were resistant to mitotic catastrophe. ► p53 stabilization was attenuated in p62-deficient cells upon prolonged mitosis. ► Non-canonical activation of Nrf2 by p62 was required for p53 stabilization. ► Nqo1 was the downstream executor of the p62-Nrf2 pathway for p53 stabilization.