Cap-independent Nrf2 translation is part of a lipoic acid-stimulated detoxification stress response

► (R)-α-lipoic acid acts as a mild stressor to induce the transcription factor Nrf2. ► Stress-induced increase in nuclear Nrf2 doesn't draw solely from pre-existing pool. ► De novo translation of Nrf2 rapidly ensues after a lipoic acid stimulus. ► Lipoic acid induces Nrf2 protein expression via an IRES, even under mTOR inhibition.