DUOX2 Background Information
Dual oxidase 1 (DUOX1), a homolog of glycoprotein p91phox, is expressed in airway epithelium and generates reactive oxygen species (ROS). Dual oxidase 2 (DUOX2), also designated NADPH thyroid oxidase 2, p138 thyroid oxidase or large NOX2, localizes to the apical membrane of epithelial cells. DUOX1, also designated NADPH thyroid oxidase or large NOX1, and DUOX2 are multi-pass membrane proteins predominantly expressed in thyrocytes, tracheal surface epithelial cells as well as thyroid, colon, duodenum, trachea and bronchium. DUOX1 and DUOX2 generate hydrogen peroxide, which is crucial for thyroid peroxidase and lactoperoxidase. In mucosa, DUOX proteins are involved in thyroid hormone biosynthesis and lactoperoxidase-mediated antimicrobial defense. Defects in the gene encoding for DUOX2 cause congenital hypothyroidism (CH), a disorder characterized by a defect in hydrogen peroxide production in the thyroid gland.
