Redox potential for medicine, agriculture innovation A multidisciplinary European consortium is paving the way for innovative applications based on redox reactions. Health © Shutterstock Redox reactions are emerging as vital processes involved in cell survival and proliferation. Redox products, enzymes and their mimics may therefore be involved in the control of inflammation, cancer formation and proliferation, but also bacterial, fungal and microbial growth. It is becoming apparent that control of these reactions through various natural and synthetic products may be used for prevention and therapy. The EU-funded 'Natural products and related redox catalysts: basic research and applications in medicine and agriculture' (RED CAT) project is investigating how redox reactions can be exploited to develop therapeutic applications. The consortium has brought together a range of scientific disciplines including chemistry, cancer and agricultural research. The initial stages of the project involved comprehensive training of all partners on various chemical, biochemical and biological aspects. Researchers are currently exploring how selected natural agents and their mimics can modulate cellular redox balances. Project work has focused on natural antioxidants and redox catalysts as agents against cancer and inflammation. Additionally, the underlying mechanism and signalling events triggered during redox control as well as the potential exploitation of redox reactions for the development of pesticides are being investigated. Overall, the study will advance current knowledge on the control and potential uses of redox reactions. The RED CAT project deliverables are expected to have a broad range of applications in medicine and agriculture.
