PRDX1(Peroxiredoxin 1), also called PRX1, PAGA or NKEFA, is a thiol reductase that plays critical roles in oxidative and thermal stress defense mechanisms through its abilities to metabolize H2O2 and act as a molecular chaperone, respectively. This gene encodes a member of the peroxiredoxin family of antioxidant enzymes, which reduce hydrogen peroxide and alkyl hydroperoxides. The PRDX1 gene is mapped on 1p34.1. Prdx1 was expressed in differentiating motor neuron cells in developing embryonic chicken and mouse spinal cords. mmunoprecipitation analysis showed that GDE2 interacted directly with PRDX1 in embryonic chicken spinal cord extracts and in transfected HEK293T cells. This protein may have a proliferative effect and play a role in cancer development or progression. In differentiating spinal cord, Prdx1 was required to activate Gde2 by reducing an intramolecular cystine bridge between the Gde2 N- and C-terminal domains. An intramolecular disulfide bond between the GDE2 N- and C-terminal domains inhibits GDE2 function, and that reduction of this cystine by PRDX1 activates GDE2 for the induction of motor neuron differentiation.