Reactive oxygen species (ROS) regulatory pathways (ROS regulatory pathways)

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) regulatory pathways consist of an integrated network of enzymes and signaling molecules that maintain cellular redox balance. Key components include antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, which neutralize reactive molecules, as well as the Nrf2-Keap1 signaling axis that regulates the expression of cytoprotective genes (Source: PubMed, PMID: 30116495). While physiological levels of ROS are essential for signal transduction and immune function, excessive ROS production leads to oxidative stress, causing damage to DNA, proteins, and lipids (Source: NIH, National Cancer Institute). This imbalance is a critical driver in the pathogenesis of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, and cardiovascular conditions (Source: PubMed, PMID: 24591304). Therapeutic interventions target these pathways either by enhancing antioxidant capacity to prevent tissue damage or by inducing ROS to trigger apoptosis in malignant cells (Source: Nature Reviews Drug Discovery). However, the complexity of redox biology poses significant challenges, as non-specific modulation can interfere with vital cellular signaling or inadvertently support tumor progression (Source: PubMed, PMID: 26845188).

Other names

Redox signaling pathwaysAntioxidant defense systemOxidative stress regulatory networkCellular redox homeostasis

The primary mechanisms of action involve the induction of endogenous antioxidant enzymes through the Nrf2-ARE signaling axis, direct chemical neutralization of free radicals by scavenging agents, or the inhibition of enzymatic sources of ROS such as NADPH oxidases (NOX) and xanthine oxidase (Source: PubMed, PMID: 28853742).