Jpn. J. Infect. Dis., 57, S28-S29, 2004
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Tissue Distribution and Putative Physiological
Function of NOX Family NADPH Oxidases
Karl-Heinz Krause*
Biology of Ageing Laboratories, University of Geneva, Geneva,
Switzerland
*Corresponding author: Karl-Heinz.Krause@medecine.unige.ch
SUMMARY: The NOX family of ROS-generating NADPH oxidases consists
of 7 members: NOX1 to NOX5, DUOX1 and 2. NOX1 is predominantly
found in the colon, where it possibly plays a role in the host
defense. NOX2 is the phagocyte NADPH oxidase, a clearly established
host defense enzyme. NOX3 is almost exclusively expressed in the
inner ear, where it is involved in otoconia morphogenesis, but
based on its localization might also play a role in the auditory
system. NOX4, widely expressed in kidney, vascular cells, osteoclasts
etc.; it might be a constitutively active enzyme, regulated on
the level of gene expression but its precise physiological function
remains unknown. NOX5, a Ca2+ activated enzyme
is predominantly expressed in lymphoid tissues and testis, where
it might be involved in signaling processes. DUOX1 is expressed
in the thyroid and in respiratory epithelia, and DUOX2 in the
thyroid and in gastrointestinal glandular epithelia. Both DUOX
enzymes are involved in thyroid hormone synthesis, but possibly
also in epithelial host defense.