Glutathione S-Transferase Alpha 4 (GSTA4) is an enzyme encoded by the GSTA4 gene in humans . This enzyme belongs to the family of Glutathione S-Transferases (GSTs), which play a crucial role in the detoxification processes within the body . The recombinant form of this enzyme, which is produced through genetic engineering techniques, is often used in research and industrial applications due to its high activity and stability.
GSTA4 is a cytosolic enzyme that catalyzes the conjugation of reduced glutathione (GSH) to a wide variety of hydrophobic and electrophilic compounds . This conjugation process is essential for making these compounds more water-soluble, thereby facilitating their excretion from the body . The enzyme has a high catalytic efficiency with 4-hydroxyalkenals, such as 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), which are products of lipid peroxidation .
The GSTA4 gene is located on chromosome 6 and is part of a cluster of alpha class genes . These genes encode enzymes with glutathione peroxidase activity, which are involved in the detoxification of lipid peroxidation products . The alpha class of GSTs, including GSTA4, is highly related and shares significant sequence homology .
GSTA4 plays a vital role in cellular defense mechanisms against toxic, carcinogenic, and pharmacologically active electrophilic compounds . The enzyme’s activity is particularly important in protecting cells from oxidative stress and damage caused by reactive electrophiles . This protection is crucial in preventing degenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, cataract formation, and atherosclerosis .
The recombinant form of GSTA4 is produced using genetic engineering techniques that involve inserting the GSTA4 gene into a suitable expression system, such as bacteria or yeast . This allows for the large-scale production of the enzyme with high purity and activity. Recombinant GSTA4 is widely used in research to study its biochemical properties and potential therapeutic applications .
Recombinant GSTA4 is used in various applications, including: