ROS production by mitochondria: function or dysfunction?

Flavio R. Palma, Benjamin N. Gantner, Marcelo J. Sakiyama, Cezar Kayzuka, Sanjeev Shukla, Riccardo Lacchini, Brian Cunniff, Marcelo G. Bonini*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

97 Scopus citations

Abstract

In eukaryotic cells, ATP generation is generally viewed as the primary function of mitochondria under normoxic conditions. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), in contrast, are regarded as the by-products of respiration, and are widely associated with dysfunction and disease. Important signaling functions have been demonstrated for mitochondrial ROS in recent years. Still, their chemical reactivity and capacity to elicit oxidative damage have reinforced the idea that ROS are the products of dysfunctional mitochondria that accumulate during disease. Several studies support a different model, however, by showing that: (1) limited oxygen availability results in mitochondria prioritizing ROS production over ATP, (2) ROS is an essential adaptive mitochondrial signal triggered by various important stressors, and (3) while mitochondria-independent ATP production can be easily engaged by most cells, there is no known replacement for ROS-driven redox signaling. Based on these observations and other evidence reviewed here, we highlight the role of ROS production as a major mitochondrial function involved in cellular adaptation and stress resistance. As such, we propose a rekindled view of ROS production as a primary mitochondrial function as essential to life as ATP production itself.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)295-303
Number of pages9
JournalOncogene
Volume43
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 29 2024

Funding

The authors are grateful for financial support from the U.S. National Cancer Institute (R01CA216882 to MGB), National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (R01ES028149 and R56ES033398 to MGB), National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (R01HL163820 to MGB and BGN) and National Cancer Institute (P30CA06553, Cancer Center Support Grant). We are also grateful for support from the H Foundation, the Eric and Liz Lefkofsky Foundation and the Associate Board of the Lurie Cancer Center.

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Cancer Research

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