PRDX

PRDX, also known as peroxiredoxin, is a family of antioxidant enzymes found in all living organisms. These proteins play a crucial role in protecting cells from oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are byproducts of normal metabolic processes and can accumulate in cells, leading to cellular dysfunction and contributing to various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and aging.

PRDX enzymes function by catalyzing the reduction of hydrogen peroxide and organic hydroperoxides. They achieve this through a cysteine residue in their active site, which undergoes oxidation and then is reduced by a second cysteine residue within the same or another PRDX molecule. This detoxification process is essential for maintaining cellular redox homeostasis.

There are several different subtypes of PRDX, each with slightly different substrate specificities and cellular localizations. For example, PRDX1 and PRDX2 are primarily found in the cytoplasm, while PRDX3 is located in the mitochondria. The expression levels and activity of PRDX enzymes can be regulated by various factors, including cellular stress and signaling pathways. Due to their critical role in protecting against oxidative stress, PRDX proteins have been extensively studied for their potential therapeutic applications in diseases where oxidative damage is a significant factor.