Glutaredoxin-2, mitochondrial (GLRX2)

Glutaredoxin-2, mitochondrial (GLRX2), is a thiol-disulfide oxidoreductase enzyme and member of the glutaredoxin family, encoded by the GLRX2 gene. It is primarily localized in mitochondria (isoform Grx2a) but also exists in nuclear and cytosolic forms (Grx2b, Grx2c). GLRX2 plays a key role in maintaining cellular and mitochondrial redox homeostasis, catalyzing protein glutathionylation and deglutathionylation, and protecting cells from oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. Its activity is tightly regulated by an iron–sulfur cluster that acts as a redox sensor, activating the enzyme under oxidative stress. GLRX2 interacts with mitochondrial complex I, influencing superoxide production and cell survival pathways. Dysregulation of GLRX2 expression is associated with various diseases, including cancer (altered sensitivity to chemotherapeutics), cardiovascular disease (protection against cardiac ischemia and hypertrophy), and neurodegenerative disorders (Friedreich Ataxia). The protein is not a typical drug receptor but represents a potential therapeutic target due to its central role in cell death and redox signaling.

Other names

Glutaredoxin-2, mitochondrialGLRX2GRX2CGI-133bA101E13.1Glutaredoxin 2Glutaredoxin (thioltransferase) 2

Sensitization to apoptosis via oxidative stress pathways (doxorubicin); Protection from apoptotic stimuli via redox homeostasis regulation; Inhibition or activation depending on GLRX2 expression in cancer or cardiac tissues