Glyoxalase-I catalyzes the isomerization of the hemithioacetal formed from methylglyoxal and glutathione to S-D-lactoylglutathione. This reaction is the first step in the glyoxalase pathway, which ultimately converts methylglyoxal into D-lactate, a less reactive and more easily excretable compound .
The detoxification of methylglyoxal is vital because MG can modify proteins and nucleotides, leading to the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), which are associated with oxidative stress and apoptosis . Elevated levels of MG are particularly problematic in conditions such as diabetes, where high glucose levels lead to increased MG production .
Recombinant mouse Glyoxalase-I is produced using recombinant DNA technology, which involves inserting the gene encoding GLO1 into an expression system, such as bacteria or yeast, to produce the protein in large quantities. This recombinant protein is used in various research applications to study its structure, function, and role in disease processes .