The Roles of ROS in Cancer Heterogeneity and Therapy

Author(s)

de Sa Junior, Paulo Luiz ; Dias Camara, Diana Aparecida ; Porcacchia, Allan Saj ; Moreira Fonseca, Pamela Maria ; Jorge, Salomao Doria ; Araldi, Rodrigo Pinheiro ; Ferreira, Adilson Kleber

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY; v. 2017, p. 12-pg., 2017-01-01.

Abstract

Cancer comprises a group of heterogeneous diseases encompassing high rates of morbidity and mortality. Heterogeneity, which is a hallmark of cancer, is one of the main factors related to resistance to chemotherapeutic agents leading to poor prognosis. Heterogeneity is profoundly affected by increasing levels of ROS. Under low concentrations, ROS may function as signaling molecules favoring tumorigenesis and heterogeneity, while under high ROS concentrations, these species may work as cancer modulators due to their deleterious, genotoxic or even proapoptotic effect on cancer cells. This double-edged sword effect represented by ROS relies on their ability to cause genetic and epigenetic modifications in DNA structure. Antitumor therapeutic approaches may use molecules that prevent the ROS formation precluding carcinogenesis or use chemical agents that promote a sudden increase of ROS causing considerable oxidative stress inside tumor mass. Therefore, herein, we review what ROS are and how they are produced in normal and in cancer cells while providing an argumentative discussion about their role in cancer pathophysiology. We also describe the various sources of ROS in cancer and their role in tumor heterogeneity. Further, we also discuss some therapeutic strategies from the current landscape of cancer heterogeneity, ROS modulation, or ROS production. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/18528-7 - Development of new drug candidate for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer: CHY-1 as a novel inhibitor of autophagy and prototype of a novel class of inhibitors of the enzyme CTP: phosphoethanolamine citidililtransferase
• Grantee: Adilson Kleber Ferreira
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants
• FAPESP's process: 13/07273-2 - Rational design and development of new prototypes derived of antitumor phospholipids as potential inhibitors of the enzyme CtP: phosphoethanolamine citidililtransferase and antitumor agents in non-small cell lung cancer
• Grantee: Jose Alexandre Marzagão Barbuto
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants