Glutathione Peroxidase 2/GPX2: Proteins and Enzymes

Glutathione Peroxidase 2 (GPX2), also known as Gastrointestinal Glutathione Peroxidase, is a member of the glutathione peroxidase antioxidant enzyme family. These proteins protect cell surfaces, extracellular fluid components, and enzymes from oxidative stress by catalysing the reduction of hydrogen peroxide, lipid peroxides, and organic hydroperoxide using reduced glutathione. GPX2 is a cytoplasmic homotetramer of 22 kDa subunits, each containing a selenocysteine residue at the active site. GPX2 is primarily expressed in the liver and intestinal epithelial cells where it participates in the detoxification of dietary organic hydroperoxides. It is upregulated in a variety of carcinomas and functions as an anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic molecule.