Abstract
GPx4 (Glutathione peroxidase 4) is a Sec (selenocysteine)-dependent monomeric antioxidant enzyme capable of maintaining cellular redox homeostasis by catalyzing the reduction of lipid peroxides by GSH (glutathione). As a core regulatory node of the ferroptosis pathway, GPx4 not only directly affects apoptosis, but also deeply participates in tumorigenesis, cellular senescence, and other key biological processes by inhibiting the lipid peroxidation cascade; at the same time, GPx4 also exhibits a key targeting value in neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic disorders, and cardiovascular pathologies.The aim of this paper is to analyze the protein structure and biological function of GPx4, to systematically explore the core regulatory role of this enzyme in the ferroptosis pathway and its molecular mechanism in various diseases, and ultimately to break through the existing therapeutic bottlenecks based on the current progress of research, and to provide a new idea for the precise intervention strategy targeting GPx4.