Lysosomal redox-active iron is important for oxidative stress-induced DNA damage.

Data show that specifically chelating lysosomal redox-active iron can prevent most H(2)O(2)-induced DNA damage. Lysosomes seem to contain the major pool of redox-active labile iron within the cell. Under oxidative stress conditions, this iron may then relocate to the nucleus and play an important role for DNA damage by taking part in Fenton reactions.