glutatiónStransferasas

Glutathione transferases, often abbreviated as GSTs, are a superfamily of enzymes involved in cellular detoxification. They play a crucial role in protecting cells from a wide range of harmful substances, including toxins, carcinogens, and reactive oxygen species. GSTs catalyze the conjugation of glutathione, a tripeptide, to these electrophilic substrates. This conjugation process, known as glutathione conjugation or S-alkylation, typically renders the substrate more water-soluble and less toxic, facilitating its excretion from the cell or organism.

The GST superfamily is diverse and can be broadly classified into several classes based on their structural and functional properties, such as alpha, mu, pi, sigma, and kappa. These enzymes are found in various organisms, from bacteria to mammals, and are particularly abundant in the liver, where a significant portion of detoxification occurs. In humans, GSTs are encoded by a multigene family, and variations in these genes can influence an individual's susceptibility to certain diseases and their response to drugs.

Beyond detoxification, GSTs are implicated in other cellular processes, including cell growth, apoptosis, and signal transduction. Their involvement in protecting against oxidative stress also makes them important in combating age-related diseases and cancer. Research continues to explore the multifaceted roles of GSTs and their potential as therapeutic targets for various conditions.