Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2026

Light-mediated Reversible Modulation of the Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Pathway during Cell Differentiation and Xenopus Embryonic Development
Published on: June 15, 2017
NOX5: from basic biology to signaling and disease
Karen Bedard1, Vincent Jaquet, Karl-Heinz Krause
1Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada.
Abstract:
In mammals, the NADPH oxidase family of enzymes comprises seven members: NOXs 1-5, DUOX1, and DUOX2. All of these enzymes function to move an electron across cellular membranes, transferring it to oxygen to generate the superoxide anion. This generation of reactive oxygen species has important physiological and pathophysiological roles. NOX5 is perhaps the least well understood of these NOX isoforms, in part because the gene is not present in mice or rats. In recent years, however, there has been a rapid increase in our understanding of the NOX5 gene, the structural and biochemical aspects of the NOX5 enzyme, the role NOX5 plays in health and disease, and the development of novel NOX inhibitors. This review takes a look back at some historical aspects of the discovery of NOX5 and summarizes our current understanding of the enzyme.
Insights
This review summarizes the NADPH oxidase 5 (NOX5) enzyme, detailing its structure, function, and role in health and disease. Recent advancements have significantly improved our understanding of this crucial enzyme.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Enzymology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The NADPH oxidase (NOX) enzyme family generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) with vital physiological roles.
- NOX5 is a less-understood member due to its absence in common research models like mice and rats.
- ROS produced by NOX enzymes are implicated in various biological processes and diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of the NOX5 enzyme.
- To review historical discoveries and recent advancements in NOX5 research.
- To highlight the structural, biochemical, and functional aspects of NOX5.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of historical and recent studies on NOX5.
- Analysis of the NOX5 gene, protein structure, and biochemical properties.
- Examination of NOX5's involvement in physiological and pathophysiological conditions.
Main Results:
- NOX5, unlike other NOX enzymes, is not found in rodents, complicating its study.
- Significant progress has been made in understanding NOX5's structure and function.
- NOX5's role in various diseases and the development of specific inhibitors are increasingly recognized.
Conclusions:
- Despite past research challenges, current understanding of NOX5 has rapidly advanced.
- NOX5 plays critical roles in both health and disease.
- Further research into NOX5 is essential for developing targeted therapies.
Related Concept Videos
Overview of Cell Signaling
Cells respond to many types of information, often through receptor proteins positioned on the membrane. For example, skin cells respond to and transmit touch...
Overview of Cell Signaling
Cells respond to many types of information, often through receptor proteins positioned on the membrane. For example, skin cells respond to and transmit touch...
Nitric Oxide Signaling Pathway
Signal Transduction: Overview
Typically, signal transduction involves three...
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Mechanism
The heterodimer of NF-κB...
Chemical Signaling in the Endocrine System
Lipid-soluble hormones, such as steroid hormones, demonstrate an intracellular action. These hormones traverse cell membranes due to their lipid nature. Once inside the target cell, they...

