Cellular oxidative stress response pathways

Cellular oxidative stress response pathways are a complex network of signaling cascades and enzymatic systems designed to maintain redox homeostasis and protect cells from damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). The primary orchestrator of this response is the Nrf2-Keap1-ARE pathway, which regulates the expression of numerous cytoprotective and detoxification genes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. Under physiological conditions, low levels of ROS act as essential signaling molecules, but their excessive accumulation leads to oxidative stress, which is a key driver in the pathogenesis of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and cardiovascular disorders. Therapeutic strategies targeting these pathways involve either activating antioxidant defenses to mitigate inflammation and tissue damage or inducing oxidative stress to selectively trigger apoptosis in cancer cells. However, the dual role of ROS in cell survival and death presents significant challenges, as antioxidants may inadvertently support tumor progression or interfere with necessary redox signaling.

Other names

Antioxidant response pathwayNrf2-Keap1-ARE pathwayRedox homeostasis pathwaysCellular antioxidant defense systemRedox signaling pathways

Activation of Nrf2-ARE signaling to induce antioxidant enzymes; Scavenging of reactive oxygen species; Inhibition of ROS-producing enzymes like NADPH oxidase; Induction of cytotoxic oxidative stress in cancer cells.