Glutathione S-Transferase Omega 2 (GSTO2) is an enzyme belonging to the omega class of the Glutathione S-Transferase (GST) family. GSTs are a diverse group of enzymes that play a crucial role in detoxification processes by catalyzing the conjugation of glutathione (GSH) to various endogenous and exogenous compounds. This conjugation helps in the detoxification of harmful substances, making them more water-soluble and easier to excrete from the body .
GSTO2 is encoded by the GSTO2 gene located on human chromosome 10q24.3 . The enzyme is characterized by its ability to catalyze the reduction of monomethylarsonic acid (MMA) to dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), a process important for arsenic biotransformation and detoxification . GSTO2 also exhibits dehydroascorbate reductase activity, which is involved in the regeneration of ascorbic acid (vitamin C), an essential antioxidant in the human body .
The recombinant form of GSTO2 is typically expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli) and purified for research and therapeutic applications . The enzyme’s activity can be measured using various biochemical assays, such as the Glutathione-S-Transferase Assay Kit . GSTO2 has been shown to have a high affinity for substrates like glutathione and various electrophilic compounds, making it a versatile enzyme in detoxification pathways .
GSTO2 has been implicated in several physiological and pathological processes. Its role in arsenic detoxification is particularly significant, as arsenic exposure is a major public health concern in many parts of the world . Additionally, variations in the GSTO2 gene have been associated with susceptibility to various diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders . Understanding the function and regulation of GSTO2 can provide insights into the mechanisms of these diseases and potential therapeutic targets .
Recombinant GSTO2 is widely used in research to study its enzymatic properties and potential therapeutic applications. It is also utilized in the development of biosensors for detecting environmental toxins and in the production of transgenic plants with enhanced detoxification capabilities . The enzyme’s ability to regenerate ascorbic acid makes it a valuable tool in antioxidant research and applications .