GST

Definition

GST, or glutathione S-transferase, is a family of enzymes that play a crucial role in detoxification by catalyzing the conjugation of glutathione to various substrates. This process helps in the elimination of potentially harmful compounds from the body, making GST an essential player in protecting cells from oxidative stress and damage.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. GST enzymes are classified into several classes based on their substrate specificity and tissue distribution, with each class playing a role in the metabolism of different compounds.
2. In addition to detoxification, GSTs are involved in various cellular processes such as cell signaling, apoptosis, and inflammation.
3. GST levels can be influenced by environmental factors such as exposure to xenobiotics, leading to variations in individual responses to toxins.
4. GST has become a valuable tool in proteomics for affinity purification techniques because of its ability to bind specifically to glutathione-conjugated targets.
5. Understanding GST activity is important in pharmacogenomics, as variations in GST genes can affect drug metabolism and individual responses to medications.

Review Questions

• How does the structure of GST contribute to its function in detoxification processes?
  • The structure of GST is key to its function in detoxification as it contains active sites that facilitate the conjugation of glutathione to various substrates. This enzyme's ability to bind specifically to hydrophobic compounds allows it to effectively catalyze reactions that detoxify harmful substances. The structural diversity among different GST isoforms also enables them to target a wide range of substrates, enhancing their role in protecting cells from toxicity.
• Discuss the implications of GST variations on drug metabolism and individual health outcomes.
  • Variations in GST genes can lead to differences in enzyme activity levels among individuals, influencing how drugs and toxins are metabolized. For example, certain alleles of GST may result in reduced enzymatic activity, which could lead to slower clearance of drugs from the body. This variability may increase the risk of adverse drug reactions or decreased efficacy of treatments, highlighting the importance of personalized medicine approaches that consider individual GST profiles.
• Evaluate the significance of GST as a target for therapeutic intervention and its potential role in cancer treatment.
  • Targeting GST presents a promising therapeutic strategy in cancer treatment due to its involvement in detoxifying chemotherapeutic agents. Some tumors exhibit increased levels of GST expression, which can confer resistance to chemotherapy by reducing drug efficacy. By inhibiting GST activity, researchers aim to enhance the sensitivity of cancer cells to treatment, potentially leading to better clinical outcomes. This approach emphasizes the importance of understanding GST's roles not only in detoxification but also in cancer biology.

Related terms

Glutathione: A tripeptide composed of glutamine, cysteine, and glycine, which acts as a major antioxidant in cells, helping to neutralize free radicals and maintain cellular health.

Detoxification: The biochemical process through which the body transforms and eliminates harmful substances, including drugs, pollutants, and metabolites.

Isoforms: Different forms of enzymes that arise from gene variations and can have different functional properties, including different substrate specificities for GST.