Redox Modulation in Therapy of Cancer: Some Pros and Cons.
Ljubava D Zorova1,2, Dmitry S Semenovich1,2, Savva D Zorov1
1A.N. Belozersky Research Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia.
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 30, 2025
Summary
Cellular redox potential, crucial for health and disease, is unevenly distributed. Mitochondria significantly influence cellular redox state, offering therapeutic targets for pathologies like cancer.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Redox potential governs biochemical reactions, impacting health and disease transitions.
- Current methods average redox potential, masking intracellular and tissue heterogeneity.
- Mitochondria are proposed as key determinants of cellular redox state.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore mitochondria's role in cellular redox state regulation.
- To investigate therapeutic strategies targeting cellular redox status, especially in cancer.
- To examine oxidative phosphorylation uncouplers for cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing data on redox potential heterogeneity.
- Analysis of mitochondrial function and redox state.
- Exploration of oxidative phosphorylation uncouplers' effects on cancer cells.
Main Results:
- Mitochondria, particularly the mitochondrial reticulum, significantly influence cellular redox state.
- Oxidative phosphorylation uncouplers show potential for killing cancer cells.
- Mitochondrial membrane potential is a critical regulator of cellular metabolism.
Conclusions:
- Mitochondria are central to cellular redox regulation and represent therapeutic targets.
- Targeting cellular redox potential offers a promising strategy for treating pathologies like cancer.
- Further research into intrinsic redox indicators and mitochondrial membrane potential is warranted.
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