Metal interaction with redox regulation: an integrating concept in metal carcinogenesis?

► An integrating model is provided for the carcinogenicity of metal compounds. ► Metal ions increase the levels of reactive oxygen species in several ways. ► The concept of selective redox regulation of thiol/selenol groups is described. ► Redox-regulated cellular pathways are summarized. ► Cd, As, and Cr(VI) interfere with cellular redox regulation.