Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Analysis of Oxidative Stress in Zebrafish Embryos
11:05

Analysis of Oxidative Stress in Zebrafish Embryos

Published on: July 7, 2014

Oxidant signals and oxidative stress

Toren Finkel1

  • 1Cardiovascular Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, , Bethesda, MD 20892-1622, USA. finkelt@nih.gov

Current Opinion in Cell Biology
|March 22, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are now understood to be regulated signaling molecules, not just random oxidants. Recent research clarifies their specific targets and roles in cellular processes like aging and cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
  • Cellular Signaling
  • Oxidative Stress Research

Background:

  • Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were traditionally viewed as damaging byproducts of metabolism.
  • Emerging evidence indicates ROS can function in specific, regulated cellular signaling pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight recent advances in understanding the specific targets of intracellular oxidants.
  • To explore the diverse biological pathways that utilize oxidants as effector molecules.
  • To update the understanding of ROS involvement in key physiological and pathological processes.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent scientific literature on redox biology and signaling.
  • Analysis of studies identifying specific protein targets of ROS.
  • Investigation of cellular pathways employing ROS in their mechanisms.

Main Results:

  • Identification of specific redox-dependent targets for intracellular oxidants.
  • Elucidation of numerous pathways where ROS act as critical signaling molecules.
  • Demonstration of ROS involvement in complex processes such as tumor development and aging.

Conclusions:

  • The role of ROS in cellular functions is more nuanced and specific than previously thought.
  • Understanding regulated ROS signaling is crucial for comprehending various biological processes.
  • Further research into ROS pathways will impact fields from oncology to gerontology.

More Related Videos

Imaging Approaches to Assessments of Toxicological Oxidative Stress Using Genetically-encoded Fluorogenic Sensors09:33

Imaging Approaches to Assessments of Toxicological Oxidative Stress Using Genetically-encoded Fluorogenic Sensors

Published on: February 7, 2018

Analyzing Oxidative Stress in Murine Intestinal Organoids using Reactive Oxygen Species-Sensitive Fluorogenic Probe09:31

Analyzing Oxidative Stress in Murine Intestinal Organoids using Reactive Oxygen Species-Sensitive Fluorogenic Probe

Published on: September 17, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Peroxisomes01:24

Peroxisomes

Peroxisomes are specialized organelles present in fungi, plant, and animal cells. It can vary in number, size, morphology, and activity depending on the type of tissue and the nutritional state of the cell. For example, cells with active lipid metabolism, such as adipocytes, neurons, and hepatocytes, have more peroxisomes than other cells in the body. Besides their primary role in breaking down complex organic molecules, peroxisomes can also synthesize specific macromolecules and participate in...
Regulation of the Unfolded Protein Response01:31

Regulation of the Unfolded Protein Response

Inositol-requiring kinase one or IRE1 is the most conserved eukaryotic unfolded protein response (UPR) receptor. It is a type I transmembrane protein kinase receptor with a distinctive site-specific RNase activity. As the binding mechanics of the misfolded proteins with the N-terminal domain of IRE-1 are unclear, three binding models — direct, indirect, and allosteric -- are proposed for receptor activation. Nevertheless, it is known that once a misfolded protein associates with IRE1, it...
Bioactivation and Tissue Toxicity01:25

Bioactivation and Tissue Toxicity

Bioactivation is a metabolic process that transforms less reactive substances into highly reactive metabolites, initiating tissue toxicity. This transformation can lead to various toxic effects, including carcinogenesis and teratogenesis. Reactive metabolites are classified into two main types: electrophiles and free radicals.Electrophiles are electron-deficient species and are produced primarily by the enzyme cytochrome P-450 during the metabolism of compounds containing carbon, nitrogen, or...
Aging01:26

Aging

Aging is a complex biological phenomenon influenced by various processes that affect cellular and systemic functions. Several prominent theories attempt to explain its mechanisms, highlighting cellular limitations, oxidative damage, and hormonal changes as central factors in aging.
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
Redox Reactions01:27

Redox Reactions

Redox reactions are vital biochemical processes that underpin energy metabolism in cells. These reactions involve the transfer of electrons between molecules, occurring in tandem as oxidation and reduction. Oxidation refers to the loss of electrons, while reduction denotes their gain. This coupling ensures the seamless flow of electrons through metabolic pathways. For example, in bacterial metabolism, glucose undergoes oxidation to carbon dioxide, while oxygen is simultaneously reduced to...
Cellular Injury I: Introduction01:00

Cellular Injury I: Introduction

Cellular injury occurs when a cell cannot maintain homeostasis or adapt to stressors such as hypoxia, toxins, or trauma. Depending on severity and duration, injury may be reversible, allowing recovery, or irreversible, leading to cell death.General Mechanisms of Cell InjuryAlthough causes vary, most cellular injuries arise from a few key mechanisms that disrupt essential functions and often amplify one another. Cell survival depends on the extent and balance of these disturbances.ATP depletion...