H2O2 signals via iron induction of VL30 retrotransposition correlated with cytotoxicity

► H2O2 induces the frequency of VL30 retrotransposition at unusually high levels. ► H2O2 induces the RNA expression of endogenous reverse transcriptase genes (enRTs). ► Iron augments the H2O2-induced retrotransposition, associated with cytotoxicity. ► Deferoxamine or enRT inhibitors reduce H2O2-induced retrotransposition and cytotoxicity. ► H2O2/iron-induced retrotransposition leads to oxidative stress-induced cell damage.