Gene expression and the thiol redox state

The intracellular redox status is a tightly regulated parameter which provi des the cell with an optimal ability to counteract the highly oxidizing ext racellular environment. Intracellular redox homeostasis is regulated by thi ol-containing molecules, such as glutathione and thioredoxin. Essential cel lular functions, such as gene expression, are influenced by the balance bet ween pro- and antioxidant conditions. The mechanism by which the transcript ion of specific eukaryotic genes is redox regulated is complex, however, re cent findings suggest that redox-sensitive transcription factors play an es sential role in this process. This review is focused on the recent knowledg e concerning some eukaryotic transcription factors, whose activation and DN A binding is controlled by the thiol redox status of the cell. (C) 1999 Els evier Science Inc.