Antioxidant gene expression pathway

The "Antioxidant gene expression pathway" is not a single molecular target but rather refers to a network of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes that regulate cellular responses to oxidative stress. Key members include glutathione peroxidases (GPX1, GPX3, GPX4), superoxide dismutases (SOD1—cytosolic; SOD2—mitochondrial), catalase (CAT), selenoproteins such as SELENOP and SEP15, glutathione reductase (GSR), and transcription factors like NFE2L2. These genes coordinate the detoxification of reactive oxygen species generated during normal metabolism or pathological conditions. Altered expression patterns in this gene set are associated with cancer development/progression,[1][2] immune infiltration,[3] neurodegeneration,[1] cardiovascular diseases,[1] and kidney disorders.[3] The collective activity of these genes serves both as a biomarker panel for disease states and potential targets for therapeutic intervention at the level of individual components rather than as one unified druggable entity. The "Antioxidant gene expression pathway" is best understood as an interconnected regulatory system involving multiple antioxidant enzymes whose coordinated activity maintains redox balance in cells. It is not itself considered a canonical therapeutic target such as an enzyme or receptor but represents an important biological process influencing health and disease outcomes.[4] In summary: The term does not refer to a single molecule/receptor but rather describes a functional group/pathway involving several well-characterized antioxidant proteins.

Other names

Antioxidant pathwayAntioxidant gene signatureAntioxidant enzyme expression pathway

Mechanisms are diverse and depend on modulation of individual antioxidant enzymes or transcription factors.