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ROS-mediated cell death and phase separation in gynecological malignancies
Huabing Wei1, Meifeng Xiong1, Ling Min2,3
1Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Leshan Women and Children Hospital, Leshan, China.
Abstract:
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are reactive products of cellular metabolism that, under physiological conditions, activate specific signaling pathways essential for cellular functions. Excessive accumulation of ROS overwhelms cellular antioxidant defenses, leading to functional damage or cell death. ROS-mediated cell death manifests in multiple forms, including apoptosis, ferroptosis, immunogenic cell death, pyroptosis, oxeiptosis, NETosis, and parthanatos. In gynecological malignancies, inducing ROS-mediated cell death is proposed as a therapeutic strategy. Furthermore, research indicates that excessive ROS promotes abnormal phase separation, resulting in functional damage to tumor cells. Therefore, ROS-mediated cell death and phase separation provide a new entry point for preventing tumorigenesis or treating gynecological malignancies. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms underlying ROS-mediated cell death and phase separation, and describe innovative strategies based on ROS that hold promise for treating gynecological malignancies. This review will also discuss controversial issues in tumor therapeutics, including the paradoxical roles of ROS manipulation. This will offer new insights into the management of gynecological malignancies, providing theoretical support for clinical practice.
Insights
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) induce cell death and phase separation, offering novel therapeutic strategies for gynecological malignancies. Understanding ROS mechanisms is key to preventing tumorigenesis and treating these cancers.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are crucial signaling molecules in cellular metabolism.
- Excessive ROS accumulation disrupts cellular antioxidant defenses, leading to cell damage or death.
- ROS-mediated cell death encompasses various forms like apoptosis, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review mechanisms of ROS-mediated cell death and phase separation.
- To explore therapeutic strategies targeting ROS in gynecological malignancies.
- To discuss controversial aspects of ROS manipulation in tumor therapeutics.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of ROS-mediated cell death pathways.
- Analysis of ROS-induced phase separation in tumor cells.
- Synthesis of current research on ROS-based gynecological cancer therapies.
Main Results:
- ROS-mediated cell death and abnormal phase separation contribute to gynecological tumor cell damage.
- Targeting ROS offers a promising therapeutic avenue for gynecological malignancies.
- ROS manipulation presents complex, sometimes paradoxical, roles in cancer treatment.
Conclusions:
- ROS-mediated cell death and phase separation represent a novel approach for gynecological cancer prevention and treatment.
- Further research into ROS mechanisms can provide theoretical support for clinical practice.
- Understanding the dual role of ROS is critical for effective gynecological cancer management.
