Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2026

Analysis of Oxidative Stress in Zebrafish Embryos
Published on: July 7, 2014
Recent developments in the mechanism of anticancer agents based on electron transfer, reactive oxygen species and
Peter Kovacic1, Ratnasamy Somanathan
1Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182-1030, USA. pkovacic@sundown.sdsu.edu
Abstract:
Extensive evidence supports involvement of electron transfer (ET), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress (OS) in the mechanism of many anticancer drugs. The common ET functionalities, usually present in the drug metabolites, are quinones (or precursors), metal complexes (or complexors), hydroxylamine and nitroso from ArNO2 or ArNH2, and conjugated imines (or iminium species). The ET agents function catalytically in redox cycling with formation of ROS from oxygen. Electrochemical data add support to the mechanistic viewpoint. The generated metabolites generally possess reduction potentials amenable to ET in vivo, thus giving rise to ROS. The resulting OS is a participant in destruction of the cancer cell. The action has been termed phagomimetic based on similarity to phagocytosis. It is important to recognize that drug action is often multipronged. The various modes of action are summarized.
Related Concept Videos
Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...
Bioactivation and Tissue Toxicity
Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
The Electron Transport Chain
Inhibitors of the electron transport chain
Rotenone, a widely used pesticide, prevents electron transfer from Fe-S cluster to ubiquinone or Q in...

