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Production and Detection of Reactive Oxygen Species ROS in Cancers
07:17

Production and Detection of Reactive Oxygen Species ROS in Cancers

Published on: November 21, 2011

71.3K

NADPH oxidases and cancer

Krishnendu Roy1, Yongzhong Wu2, Jennifer L Meitzler2

  • 1*Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, U.S.A.

Clinical Science (London, England : 1979)
|March 31, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cancer are produced by NADPH oxidases (NOXs). These NOX enzymes contribute to cancer initiation and progression, explaining tissue injury in pre-malignant conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by tumor cells was poorly understood.
  • NADPH oxidases (NOXs 1-5 and DUOX1/2) are homologous to gp91phox, a key component of leukocyte respiratory burst oxidase.
  • NOX family members are increasingly recognized for their roles in various cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the role of NADPH oxidases (NOXs) in cancer development.
  • To understand how NOX-mediated ROS production contributes to pre-malignant conditions and cancer progression.
  • To explore the link between specific NOX isoforms and different types of cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent evidence on NOX isoform expression and function in cancer.
  • Analysis of cytokine induction of NOX1 and DUOX2 in inflammatory conditions.
  • Correlation of NOX4 and NOX5 expression with pre-malignant states and specific malignancies.

Main Results:

  • NOX1 and DUOX2 are implicated in ROS production in the gastrointestinal tract due to chronic inflammation, potentially driving colorectal and pancreatic carcinomas.
  • Increased NOX4 expression is observed in pre-malignant fibrotic states linked to lung and liver carcinomas.
  • NOX5 is highly expressed in malignant melanomas, prostate cancer, and Barrett's esophagus-associated adenocarcinomas, often associated with inflammation.

Conclusions:

  • Over-expression of functional NOX proteins contributes to tissue injury and DNA damage via ROS in pre-malignant conditions.
  • NOX-related ROS production is a key mechanism in the initiation and progression of various solid and hematopoietic malignancies.
  • Understanding NOX function provides insight into cancer development and potential therapeutic targets.

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