Bridging oxidative post-translational modifications to biological meaning
dlvr.it
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) function as both damaging and signaling molecules by modifying macromolecules. Advances in proteomics have greatly expanded the identification of ROS target proteins, demonstrating redox modifications as a dominant form of post-translational regulation. However, determining which of these modifications are regulatory and impact protein function remains a key challenge in the field. In this opinion article, we discuss the promise and peril of prioritizing ROS targets identified by proteomics solely based on the highest levels of oxidation for downstream scrutiny. We argue for the integration of functional genomics as a systematic and orthogonal approach for connecting redox-based protein modifications with functional outcomes. This combined approach accelerates the discovery of novel ROS- and other metabolite-modified signaling pathways.
