Reactive oxygen species and redox-sensitive signaling pathways (ROS/Redox pathways)

This target category refers to the complex network of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the redox-sensitive signaling pathways they modulate within cellular membranes and the cytoplasm. ROS, such as superoxide and hydrogen peroxide, serve as critical secondary messengers that regulate the activity of various proteins, including kinases, phosphatases, and transcription factors like Nrf2 and NF-κB (Sies et al., 2017, Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology). Under normal physiological conditions, these pathways maintain cellular homeostasis and facilitate responses to external stimuli; however, an imbalance between ROS production and antioxidant capacity leads to oxidative stress (Forman & Zhang, 2021, Nature Reviews Drug Discovery). This state of oxidative stress is a primary driver in the pathogenesis of cancer, neurodegeneration, and chronic inflammatory diseases. Pharmacological intervention often targets these pathways by either neutralizing excess ROS or enhancing the cell's natural antioxidant response to restore redox balance (Liby & Sporn, 2012, Nature Reviews Cancer). Because ROS are also required for vital processes like immune defense and cell signaling, therapeutic strategies must be carefully calibrated to avoid systemic toxicity or the disruption of essential biological functions.

Other names

Oxidative stress pathwaysRedox signalingCellular redox homeostasisROS-mediated signalingMembrane-associated redox systems

Therapeutic agents typically function by directly scavenging reactive oxygen species, activating endogenous antioxidant defense systems (such as the Nrf2-Keap1 pathway), or inhibiting enzymes responsible for ROS production, such as NADPH oxidase (NOX) or xanthine oxidase.