ROS-mediated mechanisms：an anticancer strategy / 中国生化药物杂志

ABSTRACT

Under the influence of oncogenic signals and abnormal metabolism, the redox status of cancer cells often differs from that of the normal cells, manifesting as elevated generation of reactive oxygen species( ROS) and oxidative stress.Many signaling pathways involved in tumorigenesis can directly or indirectly regulate ROS metabolism.Currently, the biological significance of increased ROS in cancer cells is still somewhat controversial.ROS on the one hand can promote cancer development and drug resistance, and on the other hand can also cause cell injury and even cell death.To maintain cell viability and proliferation, cancer cells usually up-regulate their antioxidant capacity in adaptation to the intrinsic oxidative stress.Such adaptive mechanisms to oxidative stress are highly important in both cancer development and also play a major role in cancer cell response to therapy.Compelling evidences from recent studies have suggested that targeting the redox regulation mechanisms through proper intervention strategies may have significant therapeutic implications in cancer treatment.This article will focus on alterations of redox status in cancer cells, their adaptation to oxidative stress, and the underlying mechanisms.Potential therapeutic strategies based on such biochemical characteristics of cancer cells will also be discussed.