Targeting ROS: Selective killing of cancer cells by a cruciferous vegetable derived pro-oxidant compound

Abstract

Oncogenic transformation usually leads to increase of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level that renders the cells vulnerable to additional ROS production. By targeting ROS, a naturally occurring ROS-inducing compound, β-phenylethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), selectively kills the transformed cells but not normal cells.