Nox/Duox Family of NADPH Oxidases: Lessons from Knockout Mouse Models

Nox/Duox NADPH oxidases are now considered the primary, regulated sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These enzymes are expressed in diverse cells and tissues, and their products are essential in several physiological settings. Knockout mouse models are instrumental in identifying the physiological functions of Nox/Duox enzymes as well as in exploring the impact of their pharmacological targeting on disease progression. The currently available data from experiments on knockout animals suggest that the lack of non-phagocytic Nox/Duox enzymes often modifies the course and phenotype in many disease models. Nevertheless, as illustrated by studies on Nox4-deficient animals, the absence of Nox-derived ROS can also lead to aggravated disease manifestation, reinforcing the need for a more balanced view on the role of ROS in health and disease.