The peroxiredoxin family of peroxidase has six mammalian members (Prx 1-6). Considering their frequent up-regulation in cancer cells, Prxs may contribute to cancer cells’ survival in face of oxidative stress. Here, we show that Prx 6 promotes the invasiveness of lung cancer cells, accompanied by an increase in the activity of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), the phosphorylation of p38 kinase and Akt, and the protein levels of uPA. Functional studies reveal that these components support Prx 6-induced invasion in the sequence p38 kinase/PI3K, Akt, and uPA. The findings provide a new understanding of the action of Prx 6 in cancer.

Keywords: cancer, cell signaling, invasion, peroxiredoxin 6