Molecular basis of the oxidative stress response and its regulation

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are highly reactive molecules produced by cells during fundamental processes (e.g. metabolism; when cells convert food into energy) or after exposure to external factors (e.g. pollution). Although ROS play an important role in many cell functions (e.g. cell-to-cell communication), high levels of ROS can damage cells and alter genetic information. Therefore, cells need to control ROS levels and ensure that they remain at a healthy level. This is called maintaining the 'redox balance'. Problems in maintaining this balance are a cause and a consequence of several human diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Drugs that maintain the redox balance may help to treat ROS-related diseases.

Despite their importance in human health and disease, the mechanisms underlying the redox balance remain poorly understood. I want to discover how cells detect and respond to changes to the redox balance, and how these responses are disrupted, especially in cancer.