NADH oxidases (often referred to as tNOX/ENOX2)
tNOX stands for "tumor-associated NADH oxidase," and it is also known as ENOX2.
ENOX2 (Ecto-Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Oxidase Disulfide-Thiol Exchanger 2) is a protein that has drawn attention in the context of cancer.
ENOX2 is an enzyme found on the cell surface that exhibits NADH oxidase activity along with protein disulfide-thiol interchange activity.
Several studies have suggested that ENOX2 could be used as a biomarker for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring.
NADH oxidases (often referred to as tNOX/ENOX2) and NADPH oxidase family members that have been implicated in redox regulation—detailing their expression in various cancers as well as correlations with prognosis.
– tNOX (also known as ENOX2) is a cancer‐specific cell surface NADH oxidase with a role in cellular growth regulation.
– This enzyme cycles between hydroquinone oxidase and protein disulfide-thiol interchange activities and is generally not expressed in normal cells.
• Expression in Cancer & Prognosis:
– ENOX2 is overexpressed in many solid tumors, including breast, prostate, lung, colon, and various hematologic malignancies.
– Elevated ENOX2 levels in patient sera or tumor samples have been correlated with aggressive tumor behavior and poor prognosis.
– The presence of ENOX2 activity often indicates an increased rate of cell proliferation and may predict recurrence after treatment.
ENOX2 is specifically expressed on the cell surface of many cancer cells and is involved in redox regulation and the control of cellular growth.
Because ENOX2 is predominantly expressed in tumors rather than normal tissues, it has been explored as a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in oncology.
ENOX2 is frequently upregulated or more active in cancer cells.
By influencing the balance between NADH and NAD⁺, ENOX2 might shift the cellular redox state. An imbalance can lead to increased oxidative stress or changes in ROS signaling pathways.
Potential Effects of Inhibition (**** ROS increase ****)
When ENOX2 is inhibited, its NADH oxidase activity is reduced. This can lead to an altered cell redox state.
Some studies suggest that blocking ENOX2 activity in cancer cells disrupts their normal redox homeostasis. In certain cases, this disruption may result in the accumulation of NADH and/or an alteration in electron flow—conditions that can favor increased ROS production.
Increased ROS can lead to oxidative stress that may trigger cell death (e.g., via apoptosis), which is one of the reasons researchers are interested in ENOX2 as a target for cancer therapy.
While there is evidence that inhibiting ENOX2 can lead to an increase in ROS—contributing to oxidative stress and potentially cell death—this outcome is not universal.
(Will delete Record if Target field = "Delete") Home