The Roles of Reactive Oxygen Species and Autophagy in Mediating the Tolerance of Tumor Cells to Cycling Hypoxia

Marianne Koritzinsky*, Bradly G. Wouters

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Tumor hypoxia (low oxygenation) causes treatment resistance and poor patient outcome. A substantial fraction of tumor cells experience cycling hypoxia, characterized by transient episodes of hypoxia and reoxygenation. These cells are under a unique burden of stress, mediated by excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Cellular components damaged by ROS can be cleared by autophagy, rendering cycling hypoxic tumor cells particularly vulnerable to inhibition of autophagy and its upstream regulatory pathways. Activation of the PERK-mediated signaling arm of the unfolded protein response during hypoxia plays a critical role in the defense against ROS, both by stimulating glutathione synthesis pathways and through promoting autophagy. Semin Radiat Oncol 23:252-261
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)252-261
JournalSeminars in Radiation Oncology
Volume23
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2013

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