Free radicals and signal transduction in cells

Abstract

This review provides an overview of molecular mechanisms of intracellular signal transduction involving free radicals. The structure and functions of enzymes that can form superoxide anion-radical and hydrogen peroxide are considered in detail. The mechanisms of regulation of cell properties with the participation of specialized redox chains formed by a group of proteins interacting through electron transport processes are discussed. Genetically mediated mechanisms of regulation of redox cell homeostasis are analyzed. Particular attention is paid to the issue concerning quantitative characterization of the network of interactions of oxidizing and reducing agents, which determines the species and individual characteristics of redox homeostasis and the stress response of cells.