Characterization and expression of Peroxiredoxin 1 in the neonatal tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii)

Peroxiredoxin 1 (PRDX1) is a ubiquitously expressed antioxidant with vital roles in basal metabolic functions. In addition PRDX1 is involved in cell differentiation and proliferation, apoptosis and innate immunity. In this study, we have characterized PRDX1 from the tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii). Tammar PRDX1 has high conservation of functional residues and motifs, and demonstrates a close homology with eutherian and vertebrate orthologues. Stimulation of adult tammar leukocytes with lipopolysaccharide and lipoteichoic acid suggests a role for PRDX1 in innate immune defences. PRDX1 expression in the organs of tammar pouch young was mildly elevated early in life possibly reflecting its role in basal metabolic processes. Later increases in PRDX1 expression correlated with functional maturation of several immune organs or with preparation for increased oxidative stress of emergence. The findings of the study are reflections of the complex integrated roles that PRDX1 has in regulation of oxidative stress, apoptosis, cell differentiation and proliferation, and innate immunity.