Glutathione S-Transferase Pi 1 (GSTP1) is a member of the glutathione S-transferase (GST) family, which plays a crucial role in the detoxification of endogenous and exogenous compounds. GSTs are phase II detoxification enzymes that catalyze the conjugation of glutathione (GSH) to various electrophilic compounds, facilitating their excretion from the body .
GSTP1 is one of the most abundant members of the cytosolic GSTs in mammalian cells. It has a GSH-binding site and a substrate-binding site (H-site) that catalyze the nucleophilic attack of the sulfur atom of GSH on electrophilic groups of substrate molecules . The enzyme’s activity is essential for the metabolism of drugs, xenobiotics, and carcinogens, making it a critical component in cellular defense mechanisms .
GSTP1 has been implicated in various diseases, including cancer and liver toxicity. In mouse models, the expression of GSTP1 varies significantly between species, with high expression in mouse liver hepatocytes and low or no expression in human liver hepatocytes . This difference in expression patterns has been shown to influence the liver’s response to drugs and toxins. For instance, mice with disrupted Gstp genes exhibit altered liver toxicity in response to acetaminophen overdose, highlighting the enzyme’s role in hepatocyte injury .
Recent studies have demonstrated that GSTP1 also possesses anti-inflammatory properties. It has been shown to play a protective role in inflammation by preventing the release of high mobility group box-1 protein (HMGB1), a key cytokine involved in septic death . GSTP1 achieves this by binding to HMGB1 in the nucleus and suppressing its phosphorylation, thereby preventing its translocation to the cytoplasm and subsequent release .
Recombinant GSTP1, particularly from mouse sources, is widely used in research to study its biochemical properties and therapeutic potential. The recombinant form allows for the production of large quantities of the enzyme, facilitating detailed studies on its structure, function, and role in various biological processes.