Reactive oxygen species: are they important for haematopoiesis?

Crit Rev Oncol Hematol. 2012 Mar;81(3):257-74. doi: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2011.03.005. Epub 2011 Apr 19.

Abstract

The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has traditionally been related to deleterious effects for cells. However, it is now widely accepted that ROS can play an important role in regulating cellular signalling and gene expression. NADPH oxidase ROS production seems to be especially important in this regard. Some lines of evidence suggest that ROS may be important modulators of cell differentiation, including haematopoietic differentiation, in both physiologic and pathologic conditions. Here we shall review how ROS can regulate cell signalling and gene expression. We shall also focus on the importance of ROS for haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) biology and for haematopoietic differentiation. We shall review the involvement of ROS and NADPH oxidases in cancer, and in particular what is known about the relationship between ROS and haematological malignancies. Finally, we shall discuss the use of ROS as cancer therapeutic targets.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic*
  • Hematologic Neoplasms / genetics
  • Hematologic Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Hematopoiesis*
  • Humans
  • NADPH Oxidases / genetics
  • NADPH Oxidases / metabolism
  • Neoplasm Proteins / genetics
  • Neoplasm Proteins / metabolism
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction*

Substances

  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • NADPH Oxidases