Introduction to the Thematic Minireview Series: Redox metabolism and signaling [Metabolism] (Journal of Biological Chemistry)

Life on oxygen predisposes cells to reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by electron slippage in the electron transfer chain. Aerobic metabolism also generates superoxide (O2) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as bona fide products in reactions involving 1- or 2-electron reduction of O2. Although often viewed as dangerous, ROS are now recognized as important messengers in redox signaling pathways. A delicate balance between needed versus excessive ROS production distinguishes health from an array of disease states. A collection of provocative reviews in this thematic series discusses the relative importance of mitochondrial sites for ROS production, ROS signaling-mediated regulation of cellular stress responses and thermogenesis, and how O2 deficiency leads to metabolic reprograming in cancer.