Physiological interrelationships between NADPH oxidases and chromatin remodelling

The epigenetic landscape describes the chromatin structure of the eukaryotic genome and is therefore the major determinant of gene transcription and hence cellular phenotype. The molecular processes which act to shape the epigenetic landscape through cellular differentiation are thus central to cellular determination and specification. In addition, cellular adaptation to (patho)-physiological stress requires dynamic and reversible chromatin remodelling. It is becoming clear that redox-dependent molecular mechanisms are important determinants of this epigenetic regulation. NADPH oxidases generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) to activate redox-dependent signalling pathways in response to extracellular and intracellular environmental cues. This mini review aims to summarise the current knowledge of the role of NADPH oxidases in redox-dependent chromatin remodelling, and how epigenetic changes might feedback and impact upon the transcriptional expression of these ROS-producing enzymes themselves. The potential physiological significance of this relationship in the control of cellular differentiation and homeostasis by Nox4, specifically, is discussed.