Thioredoxin

The protein encoded by this gene acts as a homodimer and is involved in many redox reactions. The encoded protein is active in the reversible S-nitrosylation of cysteines in certain proteins, which is part of the response to intracellular nitric oxide. This protein is found in the cytoplasm. Two transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Oct 2011]

Thioredoxin is a small dithiol protein and specific reductant for major allergenic proteins present in foods from animal and plant products. It is a 12-kD oxidoreductase enzyme encoded by TXN and TXN2 genes that contains a dithiol-disulfide active site. It plays an essential role as an antioxidant in neutralizing food allergens and redox signalling. Allergens containing disulfide bonds are inactivated when reduced by thioredoxin.