Reactive oxygen species-linked cellular pathways (ROS pathways)

Reactive oxygen species (ROS)-linked cellular pathways represent a complex network of signaling cascades and metabolic processes regulated by oxygen-derived molecules such as superoxide and hydrogen peroxide (Nature Reviews Cancer, 2013). While ROS were historically viewed solely as toxic metabolic byproducts causing oxidative damage to cellular components, they are now understood to function as vital signaling molecules that regulate gene expression, cell cycle progression, and immune responses (PubMed, PMC3951226). Key regulatory nodes within these pathways include the Nrf2-Keap1 system, which governs the antioxidant response, and various protein kinases like MAPK and PI3K that are sensitive to redox changes (UniProt). Dysregulation of ROS levels leads to oxidative stress, a condition implicated in the pathogenesis of cancer, neurodegeneration, and cardiovascular disease (StatPearls, 2023). Pharmacological intervention aims to modulate these pathways through the use of antioxidants to scavenge radicals or small molecules to activate protective transcription factors, though maintaining the delicate balance of redox homeostasis remains a significant therapeutic challenge (PubChem).

Other names

Reactive oxygen species signaling pathwayRedox signaling pathwaysOxidative stress pathwaysROS-mediated signaling cascades

Drugs targeting these pathways function by directly scavenging reactive oxygen species, inhibiting enzymes responsible for ROS production such as NADPH oxidase (NOX), or inducing the expression of endogenous antioxidant enzymes through the activation of transcription factors like Nrf2 (Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, 2014).