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Published on: June 23, 2020
Protein hydroperoxides as new reactive oxygen species
1a School of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University , Sydney , Australia.
Abstract:
There is convincing evidence for the involvement of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in the initiation and development of various forms of damage in living organisms. Attempts to prevent or limit such damage have been largely unsuccessful, principally because most of the pathways linking the formation of ROS with the end-point pathology are unknown. Evidence summarized in this review suggests that proteins are the most likely initial targets of ROS in cells and that protein hydroperoxides are major products of this interaction. Recent research has shown that the protein hydroperoxides can in turn generate new free radicals, inactivate enzymes, destroy antioxidants, and crosslink with DNA. This suggests that protein hydroperoxides may constitute an important intermediate stage in the development of ROS-induced biological damage, and that they should therefore be regarded as a new form of reactive oxygen species.
Insights
Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) cause cell damage, primarily by targeting proteins. Protein hydroperoxides, a key product, can generate more radicals and damage DNA, suggesting they are a new ROS form.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Oxidative Stress Research
Background:
- Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are implicated in cellular damage.
- Current understanding of ROS-induced pathology pathways is limited.
- Preventative strategies against ROS damage have seen limited success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence on the initial targets of ROS in biological systems.
- To elucidate the role of protein hydroperoxides in ROS-induced damage.
- To propose protein hydroperoxides as a novel class of ROS.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on ROS and cellular damage.
- Analysis of studies identifying protein targets of ROS.
- Examination of the biochemical properties and effects of protein hydroperoxides.
Main Results:
- Proteins are identified as the primary initial targets of ROS in cells.
- Protein hydroperoxides are major products of ROS-protein interactions.
- Protein hydroperoxides can propagate radical formation, inactivate enzymes, deplete antioxidants, and damage DNA.
Conclusions:
- Protein hydroperoxides represent a critical intermediate in ROS-induced biological damage.
- Protein hydroperoxides should be recognized as a new category of reactive oxygen species.
- Understanding protein hydroperoxides may lead to improved strategies for mitigating oxidative stress.
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