Redox signaling molecules have been shown to activate gene pathways which respond to and protect cells from oxidation
Our cells have built-in defense mechanisms that play a major role in keeping us healthy and potentially even slowing down aging. These mechanisms can adapt to different types of stress, and they work by using special pathways to restore balance within the cell. One important pathway involves a molecule called Nrf2, which acts like a switch that triggers the production of antioxidant proteins when the cell is stressed. This helps repair damage and keeps the cell functioning properly. This study shows that low-level exposure to an oxidant can boost the cell’s ability to protect itself from future damage – a principle known as hormesis. This highlights the clever design of our cells, which can respond to stress by activating healthy defense mechanisms.
