NADPHoksidaasientsyymien

NADPH oxidase, often abbreviated as NOX, refers to a family of enzymes that produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), primarily superoxide anions. These enzymes are crucial in various biological processes, including immune responses, cell signaling, and cellular respiration. In mammals, there are multiple NOX enzyme isoforms, each with distinct tissue expression patterns and functions. For example, NOX2 is highly expressed in phagocytic immune cells like neutrophils and macrophages, where its activation is critical for generating the "respiratory burst" that kills ingested pathogens. Other NOX isoforms, such as NOX1, NOX4, and NOX5, are found in a wider range of tissues and play roles in processes like vascular tone regulation, cell proliferation, and differentiation. The activity of NADPH oxidase is tightly regulated. It typically requires assembly of multiple subunits, including a catalytic subunit and regulatory subunits, along with activation by intracellular signaling pathways. Dysregulation of NOX enzymes has been implicated in a number of diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory conditions, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders, making them a significant target for therapeutic research.