NADPH oxidases: progress and opportunities

From the initial discovery in 1999 that NADPH oxidases comprise a family of enzymes to our current focus on drug development to treat multiple pathologies related to this enzyme family, progress has been swift and impressive. We have expanded our understanding of the extent of the family, the basic enzymatic biochemistry, the multiple cellular functions controlled by NADPH oxidases, and their varied roles in physiology and diseases. We have developed numerous cell culture tools, animal models, and human databases that have allowed us to delve deeply into the various roles of these enzymes. However, it is clear that much remains to be learned and that there are many opportunities for new tools and new research directions to more fully understand these critical enzymes. With this Antioxidants and Redox Signaling Forum, we explore in detail the progress, challenges, and opportunities in Nox biology. Progress so far has clearly shown that NADPH oxidases are integral to fully functioning organisms and that the dysregulation of Nox enzymes contributes to a wide variety of pathologies. We have the opportunity to develop new tools and small molecules that will not only help us to better understand the molecular underpinnings of NADPH oxidases but also to develop treatments for diverse human diseases.