Reactive oxygen species and redox-sensitive cellular components (ROS)

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and redox-sensitive cellular components constitute a vital biological system involved in maintaining cellular health and responding to environmental stress. ROS, such as superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radicals, are primarily generated as byproducts of mitochondrial respiration and by specialized enzymes like NADPH oxidases (Sies, H., & Jones, D. P., 2020, Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology). These molecules act as critical signaling agents in processes like cell growth, differentiation, and immune response. Redox-sensitive components, including the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway and various cysteine-rich proteins, serve as sensors that trigger protective antioxidant responses when ROS levels become excessive (Ray, P. D., et al., 2012, Cellular Signalling). Chronic elevation of ROS, known as oxidative stress, leads to cumulative damage to DNA, proteins, and lipids, contributing to the pathogenesis of cancer, neurodegeneration, and cardiovascular disease. Therapeutic approaches target this system by using antioxidants to scavenge ROS or by developing small molecules that activate endogenous antioxidant pathways to restore redox balance (Forman, H. J., & Zhang, H., 2021, Nature Reviews Drug Discovery).

Other names

OxidantsPro-oxidantsRedox signaling systemReactive oxygen intermediatesOxidative stress mediators

Direct chemical neutralization (scavenging) of reactive species, induction of endogenous antioxidant enzymes via the Nrf2-ARE pathway, and inhibition of ROS-producing enzymes such as NADPH oxidase or xanthine oxidase.