Thioredoxin functions in the cytosol of all cells as a general reductant, and may regulate the activity of certain transcription factors such as NF-kB. Surprisingly, human thioredoxin is overexpressed and secreted from certain cancerous cells, including some solid tumors, where it acts as a growth factor. We are interested in the structural basis for human thioredoxin secretion and growth stimulation, as well as the basis for recognition of oxidized cytosolic proteins. During our studies we discovered a dimeric form of human thioredoxin that may have a regulatory function, and we are studying the solution properties of this dimer. In addition, extracellular thioredoxin provides an excellent new target for anticancer drug design, and we are pursing structure-based methods for the discovery of such inhibitors.

[Top Page] [Research Page]

Department of Biochemistry  The University of Arizona  Tuesday, October 21st, 1997  montfort@u.arizona.edu  All contents copyright © 1997. All rights reserved.