Anti-oxidative, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory actions by thioredoxin 1 and thioredoxin-binding protein-2

Thioredoxin 1 (Trx 1) is a 12-kDa protein with redox-active dithiol in the active site –Cys–Gly–Pro–Cys– that is ubiquitously present in the human body. Trx 1 is a defensive protein induced by various stresses and has anti-oxidative, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects. The anti-oxidative effect of Trx 1 is mediated by the dithiol–disulfide exchange in the active site. Trx 1 is able to interact with certain molecules, one of which is thioredoxin-binding protein-2 (TBP-2)/Vitamin D3 upregulated protein 1 (VDUP1)/thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP). TBP-2 was originally identified as a negative regulator of Trx 1 and acts as a cell growth suppressor and a regulator in lipid/glucose metabolism. Trx 1 and TBP-2 play crucial roles in pathophysiological mechanisms in metabolic disorders, cancer and inflammation. Here we discuss pharmacological aspects of Trx 1 and TBP-2 in these diseases and propose potential therapeutic approaches for intractable oxidative stress-related disorders.