University of Wisconsin-Madison scientists have discovered a gene expression pathway and specific enzymes that exert a sweeping influence over the process of oxidative stress, the process that contributes to many diseases and conditions ranging from Alzheimer’s, heart disease and stroke to cancer and the process of aging.

The finding is important because it represents a master pressure point for a host of medical conditions. One key enzyme in the new pathway–Star-PAP– is a master switch that controls key aspects of oxidative stress in cells.

University of Wisconsin-Madison News Release