TXNIP, also known as VDUP-1 or TBP-2, belongs to alpha-arrestin protein family and is perhaps the only family member known to bind thioredoxin (TRX). Thioredoxin is a thiol-oxidoreductase that is a major regulator of cellular redox signaling which protects cells from oxidative stress.This protein inhibits the antioxidative function of thioredoxin resulting in the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and cellular stress.