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Redox signaling: Potential arbitrator of autophagy and apoptosis in therapeutic response

Lu Zhang1, Kui Wang2, Yunlong Lei3

  • 1State Key Laboratory for Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, P.R. China; Department of Neurology, the Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical College, Haikou, 570102, P.R. China.

Free Radical Biology & Medicine
|October 11, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) act as crucial signals in cancer therapy, regulating cell death and survival pathways like autophagy and apoptosis. Understanding this redox signaling is key to developing new cancer treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Redox signaling, involving reactive oxygen species (ROS), is critical for cell death and survival during cancer therapy.
  • Autophagy and apoptosis are distinct cellular processes that respond to stress, including oxidative stress, to control cell fate.
  • While high ROS levels damage cells, lower levels act as signaling molecules regulating autophagy and apoptosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which redox signaling orchestrates autophagy and apoptosis.
  • To explore the cross-talk between ROS-regulated autophagy and apoptosis.
  • To discuss the therapeutic implications of understanding redox signaling in cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of current research on redox signaling, autophagy, and apoptosis.
  • Analysis of molecular pathways involved in ROS-mediated cell fate determination.
  • Discussion of potential strategies for cancer treatment based on redox signaling modulation.

Main Results:

  • Basic ROS levels function as signaling molecules promoting cell survival and proliferation.
  • Increased ROS levels can trigger both autophagy and apoptosis by damaging cellular components.
  • ROS-regulated autophagy and apoptosis exhibit cross-talk, influencing overall cell fate.

Conclusions:

  • Redox signaling delicately controls cell fate by orchestrating autophagy and apoptosis.
  • A deeper understanding of these mechanisms can lead to novel cancer therapeutic strategies.
  • Targeting ROS-mediated pathways offers potential for improved cancer treatment outcomes.
Keywords:
ApoptosisAutophagyCancer therapyROSRedox signaling

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