What are the specific molecular mechanisms by which ROS induce DNA damage and mutations in cancer cells?4 answersReactive oxygen species (ROS) induce DNA damage and mutations in cancer cells through various molecular mechanisms. ROS, such as O atoms, OH radicals, and H2O2, react with DNA molecules, breaking essential chemical bonds and causing irreversible damage. This damage affects gene transcription, replication, and reproduction of cancer cells, inhibiting their proliferation. Elevated ROS levels in cancer cells lead to oxidative stress, resulting in genomic instability, altered gene expression, and cellular transformation to tumor cells or cancer stem cells (CSCs). The interaction between ROS and DNA can generate pro-mutagenic lesions, contributing to mutations necessary for cancer development. Additionally, ROS overactivation in cancer cells promotes tumorigenic signaling events by inducing oncogenic mutations and enhancing metabolism.
Which specific genes have been identified as crucial for oxidative stress response in skeletal muscle?4 answersAnkrd2, a gene predominantly expressed in skeletal muscle, has been identified as crucial for the oxidative stress response in skeletal muscle. Studies have shown that Ankrd2 plays a significant role in the transcriptional response to stress induced by mechanical stimulation and cellular reactive oxygen species. Additionally, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) such as MALAT1 and NEAT1 have been implicated in oxidative stress responses in endothelial cells, highlighting their importance in regulating oxidative stress-related phenotypes. These findings underscore the intricate molecular mechanisms involving genes like Ankrd2 and lncRNAs in the oxidative stress response within skeletal muscle and other tissues, emphasizing their potential as key players in combating oxidative stress-related diseases.
What is the role of ROS in cancer metastasis?5 answersReactive oxygen species (ROS) play a crucial role in cancer metastasis by influencing cancer cell behavior, tumor microenvironment, and metastatic cascade. ROS dysregulation contributes to oxidative stress, cellular damage, and cancer progression. Low ROS levels maintain cancer stem cell properties, promoting chemo/radioresistance and metastasis, while elevated ROS levels can induce cell death and inhibit tumorigenesis. ROS also participate in paracrine signaling between cancer cells, circulating cells, and stromal cells, affecting metastatic spread and colonization. Targeting ROS regulation presents a promising strategy for cancer therapy, with potential to modulate metastasis through ROS-based treatments and drug delivery systems. Understanding the intricate interplay between ROS, cancer stem cells, and metastatic potential is crucial for developing effective therapeutic interventions against cancer metastasis.
Do ROS regulate mitochondrial copy number in cells?5 answersROS have been shown to regulate mitochondrial copy number in cells. In yeast, mitochondrial fusion induces mtDNA synthesis by facilitating ROS-triggered, recombination-mediated replication, preventing the generation of mitochondria lacking DNA. In human mesangial cells, high glucose-induced ROS increases mtDNA copy number, potentially compensating for damaged mtDNA. Additionally, increased mtDNA copy number has been observed in transformed lymphoblastoid cells, suggesting elevated mitochondrial biogenesis in response to increased copy number of the mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) gene. These findings suggest that ROS can influence mitochondrial copy number, potentially through mechanisms involving mtDNA replication and mitochondrial biogenesis.
How do ROS affect the body during exercise?5 answersExercise-induced oxidative stress, caused by an imbalance in the body's redox system, leads to the production of excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS play a complex role in the body during exercise, with both beneficial and harmful effects. Moderate exposure to ROS is necessary for the activation of antioxidant defense mechanisms and the induction of adaptive responses in the body. However, excessive free radicals produced by strenuous or acute exercise can lead to muscle oxidative stress fatigue and damage, impacting exercise capacity and overall health. ROS are crucial for exercise-induced adaptations, such as glucose uptake, mitochondriogenesis, and hypertrophy, through the modulation of various signaling pathways in skeletal muscle. Antioxidants can reduce ROS levels and muscle fatigue, as well as enhance exercise recovery. Understanding the balance between beneficial and harmful effects of ROS during exercise is a challenging question in exercise biology.
Why are oxidative muscle fibers less susceptible to damage?2 answersOxidative muscle fibers are less susceptible to damage due to their higher antioxidant capacity and lower levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. These fibers have higher activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx), and catalase (CAT). Additionally, they have lower lipid peroxide (LPO) levels, indicating reduced oxidative damage. The primary site of ROS production during muscle contraction is still debated, but mitochondria, NADPH oxidase, PLA₂-dependent processes, and xanthine oxidase have been suggested. Oxidative muscle fibers may have a more efficient mitochondrial function, leading to lower ROS production. Furthermore, these fibers upregulate transcripts involved in translational elongation and protein synthesis, which may contribute to their ability to repair and maintain cellular components. Overall, the combination of higher antioxidant capacity, lower ROS production, and enhanced repair mechanisms makes oxidative muscle fibers more resistant to damage.