Thioredoxin and thioredoxin-binding protein-2 in cancer and metabolic syndrome.
Thioredoxin (TRX), a small redox-active multifunctional protein, acts as a potent antioxidant and a redox regulator in signal transduction. TRX expression is elevated in various types of human cancer. Overexpression of TRX introduces resistance to anti-cancer drugs or radiation-induced apoptosis; however, there is no evidence that the incidence of cancer is frequent in TRX-transgenic mice or that the administration of recombinant human TRX enhances tumor growth. Plasma/serum level of TRX is a good marker for oxidative stress-induced various disorders, including metabolic syndrome. Thioredoxin-binding protein-2 (TBP-2), which was originally identified as a negative regulator of TRX, acts as a growth suppressor and a regulator in lipid metabolism. TBP-2 expression is downregulated in various types of human cancer. TBP-2 deficiency induces lipid dysfunction and a phenotype resembling Reye syndrome. Thus, TRX and TBP-2 play important roles in the pathophysiology of cancer and metabolic syndrome by direct interaction or by independent mechanisms.
Kaimul
Ahsan M
AM
Thioredoxin Project, Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Translational Research Center, Kyoto University Hospital, 54 Shogoin, Kawahara-cho, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan.
Nakamura
Hajime
H
Masutani
Hiroshi
H
Yodoi
Junji
J
D000818:Animals; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000378:metabolism*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism*; D013879:Thioredoxins / Q000378:metabolism*
D002352:Carrier Proteins; C491203:TXN protein, human; C486715:TXNIP protein, human; D013879:Thioredoxins