Catalase is a peroxisome specific marker protein belonging to the catalase family. Defects in the gene encoding for the catalase protein can cause acatalasia, a disease characterized by the absence of catalase activity in red cells and associated with ulcerating oral lesions. Catalase is also an important regulator of oxidative stress and inflammation, and may contribute to the development of rheumatoid arthritis. Catalase, which can form a homotetramer, is found in all nearly all aerobically respiring organisms and functions in protecting cells from the toxic effects of hydrogen peroxide.
