NADPH oxidases in redox regulation of cell adhesion and migration.

SIGNIFICANCE: Adhesion and migration induced by cytokines or growth factors are well-organized processes in cellular motility. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are specifically produced by the Nox family of NADPH oxidases. RECENT ADVANCES: The signal transduction of migration and adhesion depends on ROS produced by Nox enzymes and factors that initiate migration and adhesion and stimulate cellular ROS formation. CRITICAL ISSUES: The identification of molecular targets of ROS formation in the signal transduction of adhesion and migration is still in its beginnings, but a site and isoform-specific contribution of Nox enzymes to this process becomes apparent. Nox-derived ROS, therefore, act as second messengers that are specifically modifying signaling proteins involved in adhesion and migration. FUTURE DIRECTIONS: Individual protein targets of Nox-mediated redox signaling in different cell types and tissues will be identified. Isoform-specific Nox inhibitors will be developed to modulate the ROS-dependent component of migration and adhesion. These compounds might be suited to elicit differential effects between pathophysiologic and physiologic adhesion and migration.