P36969

GPX4(Glutathione peroxidase 4) is a unique member of the glutathione peroxidase family. GPX4 plays a crucial role in cellular protection against oxidative stress by reducing lipid hydroperoxides to their corresponding alcohols and converting free hydrogen peroxide into water, thereby preventing lipid peroxidation of cell membranes. GPX4 is unique among the glutathione peroxidase family as GPX4 contains selenocysteine at its active site, which is essential for catalytic function and is encoded by the stop codon TGA. GPX4 is particularly important in maintaining the integrity of cellular membranes and is involved in various physiological processes, including apoptosis and the regulation of cellular redox status. GPX4′s ability to form high molecular weight oligomers enhances functional capacity, making GPX4 a vital component in the antioxidant defense system of higher vertebrates.