Thioredoxin Reductase 2 (TrxR2)

Thioredoxin reductase (TR) is a dimeric NADPH-dependent FAD containing enzyme that catalyzes the reduction of the active site disulfide of thioredoxin and other substrates. TR is a member of a family of pyridine nucleotide-disulfide oxidoreductases and is a key enzyme in the regulation of the intracellular redox environment. Three thioredoxin reductase genes have been found that encode selenocysteine containing proteins.

TrxR2 partially overlaps the COMT gene on chromosome 22.Highly expressed in the prostate, ovary, liver, testis, uterus, colon and small intestine. Intermediate levels in brain, skeletal muscle, heart and spleen. Low levels in placenta, pancreas, thymus and peripheral blood leukocytes.