Thioredoxin (Trx) is a redox protein that is found in several species, such as bacteria, plants and mammals, and contains a conserved active site, consisting of Trp-Cys-Gly-Pro-Cys. Trx has several biological functions. It acts as a hydrogen donor for ribonucleotide reductase, which is critical for DNA synthesis, and modulates the DNA-binding activity of several transcription factors, including NFkB, AP-1, p53, TFIIIC and glucocorticoid receptor. Trx also stimulates cell growth, is an inhibitor of apoptosis and plays a role in the protection against oxidative stress. Drugs that inhibit Trx have antitumor activity, suggesting that Trx is involved in a variety of human diseases, including cancer. TrxR is a ubiquitously expressed flavoprotein that catalyzes the NADPH-dependent reduction of Trx as well as several other oxidized cellular components.
