Abstract: As a member of the peroxiredoxin family, PRDX4 plays an important role in antioxidation as a endogenous antioxidant. PRDX4 can anchor the endoplasmic reticulum to regulate protein oxidative folding, and secrete into the extracellular matrix as an extracellular antioxidant. In the female reproductive system, oxidative stress affects the physiological state of the ovary. The PRDX4s expressed in granulosa cells and oocytes can promote follicular maturation through anti-oxidative stress, inhibit oocyte aging, and participate in the pathological process of PCOS and ovarian dysfunction. Two PRDX4 subtypes, PRDX4s and PRDX4t, were expressed in testis. PRDX4 inhibits endoplasmic reticulum stress and clears cytoplasm and extracellular matrix ROS, by which PRDX4 protects testicular tissue structure and cell function, participates in regulating spermatogenesis and sperm formation, and inhibits spermatogenic cells apoptosis. This article describes the structure and function of PRDX4 and its role in regulating gametogenesis.

Key words: Peroxiredoxins, Antioxidants, Oxidative stress, Endoplasmic reticulum, Spermatogenesis, Infertility, male