Manipulation of redox signaling in mammalian cells enabled by controlled photogeneration of reactive oxygen species

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) comprise a group of noxious byproducts of oxidative processes which participate in the induction of many common diseases. However, understanding their role in the regulation of normal physiological redox signaling is currently evolving. Detailed study of the dynamic functions of ROS within the biological milieu is difficult because of their high chemical reactivity, short lifetime, minute concentrations and cytotoxicity at high concentrations. In this study, we show that increasing intracellular ROS levels, set off by controlled in situ photogeneration of a nontoxic bacteriochlorophyll-based sensitizer initiate responses in cultured melanoma cells. Using hydroethidine as detector, we determined light-dependent generation of superoxide and hydroxyl radicals in cell-free and cell culture models. Monitoring the ROS-induced responses revealed individual and differential behavior of protein kinases [p38, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and Akt] as well as effects on the subcellular distribution of phosphorylated p38. Furthermore, alterations in morphology and motility and effects on cell viability as a function of time and photosensitizer doses were observed. Following mild ROS challenge, enzymatic and cellular changes were observed in the majority of the cells, without inducing extensive cell death. However, upon vigorous ROS challenge, a similar profile of the overall responses was observed, terminating in cell death. This study shows that precisely controlled photogeneration of ROS can provide simple, fine-tuned, noninvasive manipulation of ROS-sensitive cellular responses ranging from individual enzymes to gross behavior of target cells. The observations made with this tool enable a dynamic and causal correlation, presenting a new alternative for studying the role of ROS in cellular redox signaling.