Thioredoxin glutathione reductase: its role in redox biology and potential as a target for drugs against neglected diseases.

ABSTRACT:

Background

There are two, largely autonomous antioxidant pathways in many organisms, one based on thioredoxin and one based on glutathione, with each pathway having a unique flavoprotein oxidoreductase to maintain them in a reduced state. A recently discovered protein, thioredoxin glutathione reductase (TGR) potentially connects these two pathways. In a large group of parasitic worms, responsible for hundreds of millions of infections in humans and animals, untold morbidity and significant mortality, TGR is the sole enzyme present to maintain redox balance.

Scope of review

In this review, the current understanding of the biochemical properties of TGR enzymes is compared to the related enzymes thioredoxin reductase and glutathione reductase. The role of the rare amino acid se

SUBMITTER: Prast-Nielsen S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3210934 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature