Hematopoietic Prostaglandin D Synthase (HPGDS) is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the production of prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), a bioactive lipid involved in various physiological processes such as inflammation, allergic reactions, and sleep regulation . This enzyme is a member of the sigma class of glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) and is also known as glutathione-dependent PGD synthase .
HPGDS is a human full-length protein, typically expressed in Escherichia coli for recombinant production . The recombinant form of HPGDS is often used in research and has a purity level of over 95%, making it suitable for various applications such as SDS-PAGE and HPLC . The enzyme consists of 199 amino acids and has a molecular mass of approximately 24-26 kDa under reducing conditions .
HPGDS catalyzes the conversion of prostaglandin H2 (PGH2) to PGD2, a major prostanoid produced in various tissues . This reaction is glutathione-dependent, meaning that the enzyme requires reduced glutathione (GSH) to function. The specific activity of recombinant HPGDS has been measured to be over 650 pmol/min/μg under specific conditions .
PGD2, the product of the reaction catalyzed by HPGDS, is involved in several important physiological processes. It plays a significant role in mediating inflammation and allergic responses, and it is also implicated in the regulation of sleep . Due to its involvement in these processes, HPGDS has been a target for developing inhibitors as potential anti-inflammatory agents .
Recombinant HPGDS is widely used in biochemical and pharmacological research. It is employed in studies aimed at understanding the enzyme’s role in various physiological and pathological conditions. Additionally, it is used in the development of inhibitors that could serve as therapeutic agents for conditions such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and other inflammatory diseases .