CHSU Discovery

Abstract

This literature review provides an overview of the nicotinamide adenine

dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase enzyme family, including its seven

core members and essential accessory subunits required for enzymatic

activation. The poster presentation summarizes the biochemical functions,

tissue distribution, and diverse physiological roles of NOX enzymes, with

particular emphasis on their contribution to reactive oxygen species production

and redox signaling. The paper further examines the pathological consequences

of NOX overactivation across multiple disease states and highlights emerging

research on isoform-specific NOX inhibitors as potential therapeutic strategies.

Of the seven members of the enzyme family, this presentation focuses on Dual

oxidase 1 (DUOX1) and dual oxidase 2 (DUOX2) that generate hydrogen

peroxide, a key reactive oxygen species regularly involved in lung and thyroid

function. DUOX1 is primarily expressed in epithelial tissues of the respiratory

tract and skin, where it supports mucosal immunity, wound healing, and

epithelial repair. Dysregulation of DUOX1 has been associated with

inflammatory airway and skin diseases. DUOX2 is highly expressed in the thyroid

and is essential for thyroid hormone synthesis. DUOX2 dysfunction has been

found to be linked to congenital hypothyroidism and emerging associations with

malignancies such as pancreatic cancer. In this poster, we will specifically discuss

the pathophysiological relevance of DUOX1 and DUOX2 enzymes and potential

inhibitors that may facilitate disease management.