Reactive Oxygen Species and Redox-active Protein (ROS and redox-active protein)

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are chemically reactive molecules containing oxygen, such as superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radical, produced mainly by cellular metabolism, mitochondria, and several enzyme systems[1][2][4]. Redox-active proteins encompass any protein whose structure or function is modulated by changes in cellular redox state, often via reversible oxidation of cysteine or methionine residues or through interactions with ROS[1][6]. Together, ROS and redox-active proteins are involved in essential physiological processes, including cell signaling, proliferation, cell death, immune functions, and maintenance of redox homeostasis[1][2][4][5]. Excessive or misregulated ROS production leads to 'oxidative stress,' damaging DNA, proteins, and lipids, and is implicated in pathologies such as cancer, neurodegeneration, cardiovascular diseases, and chronic inflammation[4][5][6]. These are not individual therapeutic targets, but both ROS production and redox-sensitive proteins are of interest in drug development aiming to modulate oxidative signaling or protect against oxidative damage[1][5].

Other names

ROSredox proteinreactive oxygen intermediateoxidoreductase (partial)redox sensor

Scavenging of ROS (antioxidant action); Inhibition or activation of redox enzymes (e.g., NADPH oxidase inhibitors); Modulation of cell signaling via redox-sensitive proteins; Induction of oxidative stress (many anticancer agents).