The Role of Peroxiredoxins in Cancer Development

Peroxiredoxins (Prxs) are antioxidant enzymes with ubiquitous expression in human tissues. Prxs are expressed in archaea, bacteria, and eukaryota, often in multiple isoforms. Because of their abundant expression in different cellular organelles and extraordinary sensitivity to H2O2, Prxs are among the first defenses against oxidative stress. Prxs undergo reversible oxidation to disulfides, and some family members perform chaperone or phospholipase functions upon further oxidation. Prxs are upregulated in cancer cells. Research has suggested that Prxs can function as tumor promoters in various cancers. The major objective of this review is to summarize novel findings regarding the roles of Prxs in common cancer types. Prxs have been shown to influence differentiation of inflammatory cells and fibroblasts, remodeling of extracellular matrix, and regulation of stemness. Since aggressive cancer cells have higher intracellular levels of ROS that they can utilize to proliferate and metastasize compared to normal cells, it is critical that we understand the regulation and functions of primary antioxidants such as Prxs. These small but mighty proteins could prove to be key for improving cancer therapeutics and patient survival.

Automated summary

Peroxiredoxins (Prxs) are widely expressed antioxidant enzymes in human tissues, and they are also present in archaea, bacteria, and eukaryota. Prxs play a crucial role in defending against oxidative stress due to their abundant expression in different cellular organelles and high sensitivity to H2O2. They are upregulated in cancer cells and can function as tumor promoters in various cancers. This review aims to summarize recent discoveries regarding the roles of Prxs in common cancer types and highlight their potential significance in improving cancer therapeutics and patient survival.