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Updated: Dec 20, 2025

Production and Detection of Reactive Oxygen Species ROS in Cancers
07:17

Production and Detection of Reactive Oxygen Species ROS in Cancers

Published on: November 21, 2011

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The role of dual oxidases in physiology and cancer

Caroline Coelho de Faria1, Rodrigo Soares Fortunato1

  • 1Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.

Genetics and Molecular Biology
|May 27, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Dihydrouracil oxidases (DUOX) are enzymes generating reactive oxygen species. This review summarizes DUOX structure, function, and their potential role in cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • NADPH oxidases (NOX) and dual oxidases (DUOX) are transmembrane proteins generating reactive oxygen species (ROS).
  • The NOX family includes seven members: NOX1-NOX5, DUOX1, and DUOX2.
  • DUOX enzymes, initially termed thyroid oxidases due to high thyroid expression, are also found in extrathyroid tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of DUOX enzyme structure and physiological functions.
  • To explore the potential involvement of DUOX enzymes in cancer biology.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing research on NOX/DUOX enzymes.
  • Synthesis of information regarding DUOX structure, function, and expression patterns.
  • Analysis of studies investigating the role of DUOX in various physiological and pathological contexts, including cancer.

Main Results:

  • DUOX enzymes are expressed in various extrathyroidal tissues, including salivary glands, airways, and the intestinal tract, primarily at the apical membrane.
  • DUOX-mediated hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) generation is linked to diverse cellular functions beyond the thyroid.
  • Emerging evidence suggests a potential role for DUOX enzymes in the development and progression of cancer.

Conclusions:

  • DUOX enzymes play significant roles in multiple tissues through ROS generation.
  • Further research into DUOX enzymes may reveal novel therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.

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