Dual oxidase 1 (DUOX1), a homolog of glycoprotein p91Phox, is expressed in airway epithelium and generates reactive oxygen species (ROS). DUOX1 is a multi-pass membrane protein predominantly expressed in thyrocytes and tracheal surface epithelial cells, as well as thyroid, trachea and bronchium. DUOX1 generates hydrogen peroxide, which is crucial for thyroid peroxidase and lactoperoxidase. It is also involved in thyroid hormone synthesis and lactoperoxidase-mediated antimicrobial defense in mucosa. DUOX1, which also plays a role in mucin expression, is widely expressed in fetal tissues.
