Genetic deletion of Nox4 enhances cancerogen-induced formation of solid tumors

Interesting research! Amazing stuff!

"... a certain tonic, constitutive low level of Nox4-derived hydrogen peroxide appears to reduce the risk of cancerogen-induced tumor formation. ..."

"Reactive oxygen species (ROS) can cause cellular damage and promote cancer development. Besides such harmful consequences of overproduction of ROS, all cells utilize ROS for signaling purposes and stabilization of cell homeostasis. In particular, the latter is supported by the NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4) that constitutively produces low amounts of H2O2 [hydrogen peroxide]. By that mechanism, Nox4 forces differentiation of cells and prevents inflammation. We hypothesize a constitutive low level of H2O2 maintains basal activity of cellular surveillance systems and is unlikely to be cancerogenic. Utilizing two different murine models of cancerogen-induced solid tumors, we found that deletion of Nox4 promotes tumor formation and lowers recognition of DNA damage. ..."

Genetic deletion of Nox4 enhances cancerogen-induced formation of solid tumors | PNAS

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