Redox metabolism

Redox metabolism refers collectively to all biochemical processes involving electron transfer—specifically oxidation-reduction reactions—in living organisms. These reactions underpin essential functions such as ATP generation through cellular respiration, maintenance of cellular homeostasis via regulation of reactive oxygen species levels, biosynthesis and degradation pathways for macromolecules, signal transduction through secondary messengers like hydrogen peroxide or superoxide radicals, and activation/inactivation of key transcription factors including Nrf2. Imbalances in these systems contribute significantly to diseases such as cancer, neurodegeneration, cardiovascular disorders, developmental abnormalities due to oxidative stress during embryogenesis—and thus individual components within these networks are often explored as therapeutic targets rather than “redox metabolism” itself.

Other names

Oxidation-reduction metabolismCellular redox stateReductive/oxidative metabolism

Drugs targeting elements within redox metabolism may act by: Scavenging reactive oxygen species (antioxidants); Inhibiting ROS-producing enzymes (e.g., NADPH oxidase inhibitors); Activating transcription factors regulating antioxidant response genes (e.g., Nrf2 activators).