Reactive oxygen species (ROS) as pleiotropic physiological signalling agents

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Cell Biology
• Physiology

Background:

• Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are oxygen derivatives essential for aerobic life.
• Elevated ROS cause oxidative distress, while physiological ROS mediate oxidative eustress via redox signaling.
• Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and superoxide anion radical (O₂⁻) are key signaling agents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the role of ROS at physiological levels in redox signaling.
• To understand the molecular mechanisms of ROS in cellular adaptation and stress responses.
• To review advances in understanding ROS involvement in various physiological and pathological processes.

Main Methods:

• Focus on ROS at physiological (nanomolar) levels.
• Investigate ROS signaling through post-translational modifications.
• Utilize recent methodological advances to assess ROS-target interactions.

Main Results:

• Physiological ROS, particularly H₂O₂, act as major signaling agents targeting specific proteins.
• ROS are involved in metabolic regulation, stress responses, and cellular adaptation.
• ROS play roles in the nervous, cardiovascular, immune systems, muscle, metabolism, aging, and cancer.

Conclusions:

• Unspecific ROS elimination with antioxidants has failed in clinical trials.
• Targeting specific ROS-mediated signaling pathways is a promising strategy for redox medicine.
• Future redox medicine involves enzymatic defenses, trace elements, redox drugs, and exposome modulation.