Moderate levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are now recognized as redox signalling molecules. However, thus far, only mitochondria and NADPH oxidases have been identified as cellular sources of ROS in signalling.

Researchers identify a globin (GLB-12) that produces superoxide, a type of ROS, which serves as an essential signal for reproduction in C. elegans. They find that GLB-12 has an important role in the regulation of multiple aspects in germline development, including germ cell apoptosis.

Authors further describe how GLB-12 displays specific molecular, biochemical and structural properties that allow this globin to act as a superoxide generator.

In addition, both an intra- and extracellular superoxide dismutase act as key partners of GLB-12 to create a transmembrane redox signal.

These results show that a globin can function as a driving factor in redox signalling, and how this signal is regulated at the subcellular level by multiple control layers.

http://www.nature.com/ncomms/2015/151201/ncomms9782/full/ncomms9782.html