Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 23, 2025
07:17
Production and Detection of Reactive Oxygen Species ROS in Cancers
Published on: November 21, 2011
70.8K
The Complex Interplay between Antioxidants and ROS in Cancer
Isaac S Harris1, Gina M DeNicola2
1Department of Biomedical Genetics and Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
Trends in Cell Biology
|April 19, 2020
Summary
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are crucial for cell functions but can also drive cancer. This review explores ROS roles, antioxidant effects, and how NRF2 activation promotes tumor growth and spread.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
Background:
- Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are vital for cellular signaling and homeostasis.
- Dysregulation of ROS contributes to various pathological conditions, including cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diverse roles of ROS in cellular processes.
- To examine the dual pro- and antitumorigenic effects of ROS.
- To discuss the impact of antioxidants and NRF2 in tumorigenesis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of endogenous and exogenous antioxidants.
- Analysis of the role of transcription factor NRF2 in cancer.
- Identification of knowledge gaps in ROS and antioxidant research.
Main Results:
- ROS have complex effects, promoting and inhibiting tumor development.
- Antioxidants can have both protective and detrimental effects in cancer.
- NRF2 activation is linked to enhanced tumorigenesis and metastasis.
Conclusions:
- Understanding ROS and antioxidant balance is critical for cancer research.
- NRF2-mediated antioxidant programs represent a key target in cancer therapy.
- Further research is needed to address current knowledge gaps in this field.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:46Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II
18.2K
The mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) is the main energy generation system in the eukaryotic cells. However, mitochondria also produce cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to the large electron flow during oxidative phosphorylation. While Complex I is one of the primary sources of superoxide radicals, ROS production by Complex II is uncommon and may only be observed in cancer cells with mutated complexes.
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...
18.2K
02:53Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells
6.8K
Cancer cells accumulate genetic changes at an abnormally rapid rate due to the defects in the DNA repair mechanisms. From an evolutionary perspective, such genetic instability is advantageous for cancer development. Mutant cell lines accumulate a series of beneficial mutations that contribute to their progression into cancer.
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
6.8K
01:20Radical Autoxidation
2.9K
The oxidation of an organic compound in the presence of air or oxygen is called autoxidation. For example, cumene reacts with oxygen to form hydroperoxide. Autoxidation involves initiation, propagation, and termination steps. Many organic compounds are susceptible to autoxidation—especially ethers in the presence of oxygen, which form hydroperoxides. Even though this reaction is slow, old ether bottles contain small amounts of peroxide, which leads to laboratory explosions during ether...
2.9K
02:49Cancer Therapies
9.7K
Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
9.7K
02:17The Tumor Microenvironment
7.5K
Every normal cell or tissue is embedded in a complex local environment called stroma, consisting of different cell types, a basal membrane, and blood vessels. As normal cells mutate and develop into cancer cells, their local environment also changes to allow cancer progression. The tumor microenvironment (TME) consists of a complex cellular matrix of stromal cells and the developing tumor. The cross-talk between cancer cells and surrounding stromal cells is critical to disrupt normal tissue...
7.5K
02:59Cancer Prevention
7.5K
Several factors can increase the risk of cancer in an individual. About 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, eating healthy, and following a modest cancer prevention diet. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that populations with vegetable and fruit-rich diets have reduced the incidence of cancer. On the other hand, populations who have a diet rich in animal fat, red meat, junk food, or high calories are predisposed to cancer.
Some...
Some...
7.5K