The Role of p66shc in Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis.

p66shcis a gene that regulates the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), apoptosis induction, and lifespan in mammals. Miceknocked out forp66shchave a lifespan~30% longeranddemonstrate an enhanced resistance to oxidative stress and age-related pathologies such as hypercholesterolemia, ischemia, and hyperglycemia. In this respect, p66shc is a promising pharmacological target for the treatment of age-related diseases. In this review, an attempt has been made to survey and put to a critical analysis data concerning the involvement of p66shс in the different signaling pathways that regulate oxidative stress and apoptosis.