Introduction to the Thematic Minireview Series: Redox metabolism and signaling

Life on oxygen predisposes cells to reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by electron slippage in the electron transfer chain. Aerobic metabolism also generates superoxide (O₂^̇̄) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) as bona fide products in reactions involving 1- or 2-electron reduction of O₂ Although often viewed as dangerous, ROS are now recognized as important messengers in redox signaling pathways. A delicate balance between needed versus excessive ROS production distinguishes health from an array of disease states. A collection of provocative reviews in this thematic series discusses the relative importance of mitochondrial sites for ROS production, ROS signaling-mediated regulation of cellular stress responses and thermogenesis, and how O₂ deficiency leads to metabolic reprograming in cancer.