Oxygen, reactive oxygen species and developmental redox networks: Evo-Devo Evil-Devils?
Enrique Salas-Vidal1, Francisco J Méndez-Cruz, Arlen Ramírez-Corona
1Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México. esalas@ibt.unam.mx.
The International Journal of Developmental Biology
|September 15, 2020
Summary
Molecular oxygen (O2) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are vital for aerobic life and multicellular development. Their varying availability has driven evolutionary adaptations, highlighting their crucial role in organismal growth and environmental responses.
Area of Science:
- Redox biology
- Developmental biology
- Evolutionary biology
Background:
- Molecular oxygen (O2), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and redox networks are fundamental to aerobic life.
- These elements regulate multicellular organism development, with historical discoveries underscoring their significance.
- Oxygen's abundance is paradoxical, as its availability variations have driven adaptive evolution for development in diverse species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a historical overview of discoveries linking oxygen, ROS, and redox networks to developmental regulation.
- To discuss the impact of oxygen availability fluctuations on the evolution of adaptive developmental mechanisms.
- To present examples of oxygen and ROS in controlling developmental processes and explore their evolutionary origins.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and historical analysis of key discoveries.
- Discussion of evolutionary pressures related to oxygen availability.
- Synthesis of current knowledge on animal redox developmental biology.
Main Results:
- Recognition of oxygen, ROS, and redox networks as critical regulators of multicellular development.
- Identification of oxygen availability as a selective pressure shaping adaptive developmental strategies.
- Examples illustrating the role of oxygen and ROS in specific developmental processes.
Conclusions:
- Oxygen, ROS, and redox networks are integral to developmental biology and evolution.
- Environmental changes and oxygen availability have profoundly influenced the evolution of redox-dependent developmental mechanisms.
- Understanding redox roles in development is crucial for comprehending organismal adaptation and evolution.
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