Mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) doesn’t directly harm chromosomal DNA but plays a role in redox signalling, which helps regulate cellular responses to oxidative stress. This suggests that H2O2 has a more complex function in ageing, highlighting potential therapeutic strategies to reduce oxidative damage while maintaining its beneficial signalling effects.
March 2024 – Nature Communications
Key Takeaways
- Mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is crucial for redox signalling, not just a source of DNA damage: Hydrogen peroxide, commonly viewed as harmful to cells, actually plays an important role in redox signalling, influencing cellular processes rather than simply being a damaging byproduct of oxidative stress
- Redox signalling mediated by H2O2 regulates cellular responses to oxidative stress: Cells use hydrogen peroxide as a signalling molecule to adjust to oxidative stress. This signalling process helps protect cells by activating pathways that combat stress or repair damage
- Reducing oxidative damage should not interfere with H2O2’s beneficial signalling role: While reducing oxidative stress is vital for protecting cells from age-related damage, it is equally important to preserve hydrogen peroxide’s signalling role. Disrupting this balance could lead to unintended cellular consequences
Targeting oxidative stress without disrupting H2O2 signalling could offer therapeutic benefits for ageing and longevity. By developing strategies that specifically reduce oxidative damage while maintaining hydrogen peroxide’s signalling, it may be possible to promote healthier ageing and extend lifespan without negatively affecting the cell’s natural defence mechanisms.
Read the article at: Author(s). “Mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide does not cause chromosomal DNA damage in cells but promotes cellular survival through redox signalling.” Nature Communications, vol. 15, no. 47008, 2024, doi:10.1038/s41467-024-47008-x.