Function of reactive oxygen species during animal development: Passive or active?

Abstract

Oxidative stress is considered causal of aging and pathological cell death, however, very little is known about its function in the natural processes that support the formation of an organism. It is generally thought that cells must continuously protect themselves from the possible damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) (passive ROS function). However, presently, ROS are recognized as physiologically relevant molecules that mediate cell responses to a variety of stimuli, and the activities of several molecules, some developmentally relevant, are directly or indirectly regulated by oxidative stress (active ROS function). Here we review recent data that are suggestive of specific ROS functions during development of animals, particularly mammals.

SIRT1 Deficiency Downregulates PTEN/JNK/FOXO1 Pathway to Block Reactive Oxygen Species-Induced Apoptosis in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells

“…Lineage-specific differentiation is usually accompanied by metabolic changes, which makes differences in the cellular redox system. A low-level ROS pulse is required specifically for cardio and vascular differentiation from mES cells [5]. ROS also enhances spontaneous differentiation of human ES cells into mesendodermal cell lineage [47].…”

“…However, excessive accumulation of cellular ROS generates oxidative stress and damages cell functions. Recently, ROS has been shown to function as signaling molecules in almost every cellular processes, including animal development [4,5].…”

Avocado Extract Inhibits 7, 12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)- Induced Carcinogenesis in Hamster Cheek Pouches

“…Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a group of molecules and free radicals derived from molecular oxygen, mainly composed of superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, and their derivatives such as hydroxyl radical [13]. It is well documented that ROS play a multi-facet role depending on the type and concentration of ROS and the cell types [13].…”

“…It is well documented that ROS play a multi-facet role depending on the type and concentration of ROS and the cell types [13]. On one hand, ROS are generated during the process of normal cellular metabolism and by enzymes in the mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and cytosol.…”

Electrophilic, Free Radical and Reactive Oxygen Species Scavenging and Detoxification Potentials of Lophiraalata Stem Bark Extract

“…hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 )] are increasingly recognized as signaling intermediates contributing to adaptive or maladaptive molecular responses. [4] Under physiological concentrations, ROS act as signaling molecules mediating cell growth, migration and differentiation, [5] whereas at higher concentrations, they induce cell death, apoptosis and senescence. [5] Accumulative ROS production is suggested to stimulate oncogenesis via alterations in redox regulated signaling pathways suggesting that the redox state plays a critical…”