Peroxiredoxin-2 (PRDX2)

Peroxiredoxin-2 is a thiol-specific peroxidase enzyme highly expressed in human erythrocytes (red blood cells) and encoded by the PRDX2 gene. It catalyzes the reduction of hydrogen peroxide and organic hydroperoxides to water and alcohols, respectively, thereby protecting cells against oxidative damage. Structurally, peroxiredoxin-2 can exist as monomers, dimers, and higher oligomers, cycling between redox states during its catalytic process. The enzyme employs a thioredoxin-dependent mechanism for reduction and is susceptible to overoxidation, which can convert it into a molecular chaperone. Peroxiredoxin-2 is a crucial antioxidant enzyme involved in cell signaling, antiviral defense, protection from oxidative stress, and can modulate cell proliferation. Its dysregulation has been implicated in cancer, inflammatory conditions, cardiovascular disease, immune responses, and diseases of oxidative injury.

Other names

PRDX2Thioredoxin peroxidase 2Natural killer cell enhancing factor B (NKEF-B)Thioredoxin-dependent peroxide reductase 2Tryparedoxin peroxidase 2

Inhibition or modulation of peroxidase activity (for preclinical compounds); Disruption of redox cycling; Augmentation or suppression of antioxidant response