What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to examine the relationship between reactive oxygen species and the cell cycle dynamics.

February 6, 2026Current Opinion in Cell Biology0 citationsOpen Access

ROS and the cell cycle: Cycling in and out of the comfort zone of redox control

OHOwen Ou Ning Hsiu RPRandy Yat Choi Poon

Key Points

The aim is to examine the relationship between reactive oxygen species and the cell cycle dynamics.
Review of existing literature on ROS influence in cell cycle regulation
Analysis of the oxidation of cysteine residues in key cell cycle regulators
Discussion of the implications for therapeutic interventions
Low levels of ROS promote cell proliferation, while high levels cause cell cycle arrest
Cell cycle arrest can lead to increased ROS production, creating a feedback loop
ROS can directly modify the functions of critical regulators like cyclins and CDKs

Abstract

The cell cycle is marked by dynamic fluctuations in reactive oxygen species (ROS). While low levels of ROS can stimulate cell proliferation, excessive ROS lead to cell cycle arrest. Notably, cell cycle arrest can further generate more ROS, creating a bidirectional relationship that underscores the necessity for cells to finely tune ROS levels to maintain homeostasis and ensure proper cell cycle progression. Unlike classical cell cycle checkpoint systems, ROS directly oxidise cysteine residues in critical cell cycle regulators, with examples ranging from cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases to APC/C, CDK inhibitors, and other CDK regulators, altering their functions. This review explores the interplay between ROS and the cell cycle, emphasizing how understanding their relationship could enhance therapeutic outcomes.

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