Thiol-Redox Regulation in Lung Development and Vascular Remodeling.

Redox homeostasis is finely tuned and governed by distinct intracellular mechanisms. The dysregulation of this either by external or internal events is a fundamental pathophysiologic base for many pulmonary diseases. Based on recent discoveries, it is increasingly clear that cellular redox state and oxidation of signaling molecules are critical modulators of lung disease and represent a final common pathway that leads to poor respiratory outcomes. Based on the wide variety of stimuli that alter specific redox signaling pathways, improved understanding of the disease and patient-specific alterations are needed for the development of therapeutic targets. For the full comprehension of redox signaling in pulmonary disease, it is essential to recognize the role of reactive oxygen intermediates in modulating biological responses. This review summarizes current knowledge of redox signaling in pulmonary development and pulmonary vascular disease.