Human glutathione transferase A4-4: an alpha class enzyme with high catalytic efficiency in the conjugation of 4-hydroxynonenal and other genotoxic products of lipid peroxidation

Role of 4-hydroxynonenal in stress-mediated apoptosis signaling

In this mini review we summarize recent studies from our laboratory, which show the involvement of 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) in cell cycle signaling. We demonstrate 4-HNE induced apoptosis in various cell lines is accompanied with c-Jun-N-terminal kinase and caspase-3 activation. Cells exposed to mild, transient, heat or oxidative stress acquire capacity to exclude intracellular 4-HNE at a faster rate by inducing hGST5.8 which conjugate 4-HNE to GSH, and RLIP76 which mediates the ATP-dependent transport of the GSH-conjugate of 4-HNE. The cells preconditioned with mild transient stress acquire resistance to H(2)O(2) and 4-HNE induced apoptosis by excluding intracellular 4-HNE at an accelerated pace. Furthermore, a decrease in intracellular concentration of 4-HNE achieved by transfecting cells with mGSTA4-4 or hGSTA4-4 results in a faster growth rate. These studies strongly suggest a role of 4-HNE in stress mediated signaling.

Phosphorylation enhances mitochondrial targeting of GSTA4-4 through increased affinity for binding to cytoplasmic Hsp70

Recently we showed that three different isoforms of cytosolic glutathione S-transferases (GST), including GSTA4-4, are also localized in the mitochondrial compartment. In this study, we have investigated the mechanism of mouse GSTA4-4 targeting to mitochondria, using a combination of in vitro mitochondrial import assay and in vivo targeting in COS cells transfected with cDNA. Our results show that the mitochondrial GSTA4-4 is more heavily phosphorylated compared with its cytosolic counterpart. Protein kinase activators (cAMP, forskolin, or phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate) markedly increased GSTA4-4 targeting to mitochondria, whereas kinase inhibitors caused its retention in the cytosol. Immunoinhibition and immunodepletion studies showed that the Hsp70 chaperone is required for the efficient translation of GSTA4-4 as well as its translocation to mitochondria. Co-immunoprecipitation studies showed that kinase inhibitors attenuate the affinity of GSTA4-4 for cytoplasmic Hsp70 suggesting the importance of phosphorylation for binding to the chaperone. Mutational analysis show that the putative mitochondrial targeting signal resides within the C-terminal 20 amino acid residues of the protein and that the targeting signal requires activation by phosphorylation at the C-terminal-most protein kinase A (PKA) site at Ser-189 or protein kinase C (PKC) site at Thr-193. We demonstrate for the first time that PKA and PKC modulate the cytoplasmic and mitochondrial pools of GSTA4-4.

Human adenoma cells are highly susceptible to the genotoxic action of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal

Oxidative stress and resulting lipid peroxidation are important risk factors for dietary-associated colon cancer. To get a better understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms, we need to characterise the risk potential of the key compounds, which cause DNA damage in cancer-relevant genes and especially in human target cells. Here, we investigated the genotoxic effects of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) and hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) in human colon cells (LT97). LT97 is a recently established cell line from a differentiated microadenoma and represents cells from frequent preneoplastic lesions of the colon. The genomic characterisation of LT97 was performed with 24-colour FISH. Genotoxicity was determined with single cell microgelelectrophoresis (Comet assay). Comet FISH was used to study the sensitivity of TP53-a crucial target gene for the transition of adenoma to carcinoma-towards HNE. Expression of glutathione S-transferases (GST), which deactivates HNE, was determined as GST activity and GSTP1 protein levels. LT97 cells were compared to primary human colon cells and to a differentiated clone of HT29. Karyotyping revealed that the LT97 cell line had a stable karyotype with only two clones, each containing a translocation t(7;17) and one aberrant chromosome 1. The Comet assay experiments showed that both HNE and H(2)O(2) were clearly genotoxic in the different human colon cells. HNE was more genotoxic in LT97 than in HT29clone19A and primary human colon cells. After HNE incubation, TP53 migrated more efficiently into the comet tail than the global DNA, which suggests a higher susceptibility of the TP53 gene to HNE. GST expression was significantly lower in LT97 than in HT29clone19A cells, which could explain the higher genotoxicity of HNE in the colon adenoma cells. In conclusion, the LT97 is a relevant model for studying genotoxicity of colon cancer risk factors since colon adenoma are common preneoplastic lesions occurring in advanced age.

Ure2, a prion precursor with homology to glutathione S-transferase, protects Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells from heavy metal ion and oxidant toxicity

Ure2, the protein that negatively regulates GATA factor (Gln3, Gat1)-mediated transcription in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, possesses prion-like characteristics. Identification of metabolic and environmental factors that influence prion formation as well as any activities that prions or prion precursors may possess are important to understanding them and developing treatment strategies for the diseases in which they participate. Ure2 exhibits primary sequence and three-dimensional homologies to known glutathione S-transferases. However, multiple attempts over nearly 2 decades to demonstrate Ure2-mediated S-transferase activity have been unsuccessful, leading to the possibility that Ure2 may well not participate in glutathionation reactions. Here we show that Ure2 is required for detoxification of glutathione S-transferase substrates and cellular oxidants. ure2 Delta mutants are hypersensitive to cadmium and nickel ions and hydrogen peroxide. They are only slightly hypersensitive to diamide, which is nitrogen source-dependent, and minimally if at all hypersensitive to 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene, the most commonly used substrate for glutathione S-transferase enzyme assays. Therefore, Ure2 shares not only structural homology with various glutathione S-transferases, but ure2 mutations possess the same phenotypes as mutations in known S. cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe glutathione S-transferase genes. These findings are consistent with Ure2 serving as a glutathione S-transferase in S. cerevisiae.

Cloning, expression and biochemical characterization of one Epsilon-class (GST-3) and ten Delta-class (GST-1) glutathione S-transferases from Drosophila melanogaster, and identification of additional nine members of the Epsilon class

From the fruitfly, Drosophila melanogaster, ten members of the cluster of Delta-class glutathione S-transferases (GSTs; formerly denoted as Class I GSTs) and one member of the Epsilon-class cluster (formerly GST-3) have been cloned, expressed in Escherichia coli, and their catalytic properties have been determined. In addition, nine more members of the Epsilon cluster have been identified through bioinformatic analysis but not further characterized. Of the 11 expressed enzymes, seven accepted the lipid peroxidation product 4-hydroxynonenal as substrate, and nine were active in glutathione conjugation of 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene. Since the enzymically active proteins included the gene products of DmGSTD3 and DmGSTD7 which were previously deemed to be pseudogenes, we investigated them further and determined that both genes are transcribed in Drosophila. Thus our present results indicate that DmGSTD3 and DmGSTD7 are probably functional genes. The existence and multiplicity of insect GSTs capable of conjugating 4-hydroxynonenal, in some cases with catalytic efficiencies approaching those of mammalian GSTs highly specialized for this function, indicates that metabolism of products of lipid peroxidation is a highly conserved biochemical pathway with probable detoxification as well as regulatory functions.

Mitochondrial oxidation of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal in rat cerebral cortex

4-hydroxy-trans-2-nonenal (HNE) is a neurotoxic product of lipid peroxidation whose levels are elevated in multiple neurodegenerative diseases and CNS trauma. The detoxification of HNE may take the route of glutathione conjugation to the C3 carbon and the oxidation or reduction of the C1 aldehyde. In this work, we examined whether the oxidation of HNE to its corresponding carboxylic acid, 4-hydroxy-trans-2-nonenoate (HNEAcid) was detoxifying event, if it occurred in rat cerebral cortex, and in which subcellular compartments. Our results show that HNEAcid did not form protein adducts and was non-toxic to Neuro 2A cells. HNEAcid formation occurred in rat cerebral cortex slices following exposure to HNE in a time-dependent and dose-dependent fashion. Homogenate studies indicated that HNEAcid formation was NAD+ dependent. Subcellular fractionation demonstrated that mitochondria had the highest specific activity for HNEAcid formation with a KM of 21 micro m HNE. These data indicate that oxidation of HNE to its corresponding acid is a major detoxification pathway of HNE in the CNS and that mitochondria play a role in this process.

Structure of a Drosophila sigma class glutathione S-transferase reveals a novel active site topography suited for lipid peroxidation products

Insect glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs) are grouped in three classes, I, II and recently III; class I (Delta class) enzymes together with class III members are implicated in conferring resistance to insecticides. Class II (Sigma class) GSTs, however, are poorly characterized and their exact biological function remains elusive. Drosophila glutathione S-transferase-2 (GST-2) (DmGSTS1-1) is a class II enzyme previously found associated specifically with the insect indirect flight muscle. It was recently shown that GST-2 exhibits considerable conjugation activity for 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), a lipid peroxidation product, raising the possibility that it has a major anti-oxidant role in the flight muscle. Here, we report the crystal structure of GST-2 at 1.75A resolution. The GST-2 dimer shows the canonical GST fold with glutathione (GSH) ordered in only one of the two binding sites. While the GSH-binding mode is similar to other GST structures, a distinct orientation of helix alpha6 creates a novel electrophilic substrate-binding site (H-site) topography, largely flat and without a prominent hydrophobic-binding pocket, which characterizes the H-sites of other GSTs. The H-site displays directionality in the distribution of charged/polar and hydrophobic residues creating a binding surface that explains the selectivity for amphipolar peroxidation products, with the polar-binding region formed by residues Y208, Y153 and R145 and the hydrophobic-binding region by residues V57, A59, Y211 and the C-terminal V249. A structure-based model of 4-HNE binding is presented. The model suggest that residues Y208, R145 and possibly Y153 may be key residues involved in catalysis.

Mercapturate metabolism of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal in rat and human cerebrum

4-Hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE), a potent toxin formed in the brain from oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids, is increased in Alzheimer disease (AD), where it is a proposed effector of amyloid beta peptide-mediated neurotoxicity. Detoxification of HNE via the mercapturic acid pathway (MAP) is the primary means by which other organs, such as liver, limit its toxic effects. Here we examined the distribution and activity of MAP detoxification for HNE in cerebrum. Our results showed that rat cerebral cortex and especially synaptosomes were less well equipped to detoxify HNE via the MAP than liver. Glutathione transferases (GSTs) catalyze the committed step in the MAP; GST-mu and GST-pi, but not OST-alpha, were detected in neurons and astrocytes in cerebrum from AD patients and controls. MAP activity in frontal cortex of AD patients was modestly but significantly increased compared to controls. These data suggest that lipid peroxidation may present a greater toxic burden to cerebrum than to other organs, and that a component of response to injury in late stage AD is a slight increase in MAP activity.

Modulating carbonyl cytotoxicity in intact rat hepatocytes by inhibiting carbonyl-metabolizing enzymes. I. Aliphatic alkenals

The cytotoxicity of alkenals towards hepatocytes was related to their electrophilicity not their hydrophobicity as cytotoxicity decreased as the chain length increased from acrolein to hexenal and then cytotoxicity increased from hexenal to nonenal. The sequence of events found was rapid glutathione depletion, lipid peroxidation, and inhibition of respiration before cell lysis occurred. Cytotoxicity markedly increased if glutathione was depleted beforehand. Although acrolein-induced cytotoxicity was only delayed by antioxidants or glycolytic substrates (e.g. fructose), it was prevented by NADH generators (e.g. xylitol and sorbitol) due to increased metabolism by ADH1. Cytotoxicity induced by trans,trans-2,4-decadienal (decadienal), on the other hand, was prevented by antioxidants and/or glycolytic substrates but was not prevented by NADH generators. Decadienal-induced cytotoxicity was also more increased by mitochondrial ALDH2 inhibitors than acrolein and was more increased by decreasing mitochondrial NAD+ with rotenone or decreased by increasing mitochondrial NAD+ with oxaloacetate. This suggests that the high electrophilicity of acrolein makes acrolein a more promiscuous inhibitor than decadienal. This results in the inactivation of more enzymes required for cell viability including the cytosolic and mitochondrial ALDHs as well as other enzymes (e.g. mitochondrial) making the reductive detoxication of acrolein by ADH1 more important than the oxidative detoxification by ALDHs. Decadienal is detoxified by all cytosolic and mitochondrial ALDHs and is less dependent on ADH1 for detoxication. There was also marked cytotoxic synergism between acrolein and decadienal presumably because of ALDH inactivation by acrolein.

Identification of glutathione modifications by cigarette smoke

Although it has been recognized for decades that cigarette smoke (CS) is toxic to respiratory tract tissues, and that glutathione (GSH) and other thiols are able to ameliorate some of the adverse effects of CS, the precise interactions between thiols and critical CS components are only partially characterized. In the present study, we used HPLC and MALDI-MS approaches to more rigorously characterize the products of CS reactions with GSH, the major cellular thiol and an important antioxidant constituent in respiratory tract lining fluids, in an attempt to increase our understanding of mechanisms of CS respiratory tract toxicity. Exposure of solutions of GSH to gas phase CS resulted in its rapid depletion, and about 50% of this depletion could be accounted for by reaction with acrolein and crotonaldehyde, the two major alpha, beta-unsaturated aldehydes in CS. Similar aldehyde adducts with GSH could also be detected in cells exposed to CS, although the relative yields were limited, presumably because of further reactions of these adducts and/or their excretion. Further characterization of in vivo thiol-aldehyde formation in respiratory tract cells can be expected to provide significant insights into the mechanisms of CS toxicity.

The NADPH:quinone oxidoreductase P1-zeta-crystallin in Arabidopsis catalyzes the alpha,beta-hydrogenation of 2-alkenals: detoxication of the lipid peroxide-derived reactive aldehydes

P1-zeta-crystallin (P1-ZCr) is an oxidative stress-induced NADPH:quinone oxidoreductase in Arabidopsis thaliana, but its physiological electron acceptors have not been identified. We found that recombinant P1-ZCr catalyzed the reduction of 2-alkenals of carbon chain C(3)-C(9) with NADPH. Among these 2-alkenals, the highest specificity was observed for 4-hydroxy-(2E)-nonenal (HNE), one of the major toxic products generated from lipid peroxides. (3Z)-Hexenal and aldehydes without alpha,beta-unsaturated bonds did not serve as electron acceptors. In the 2-alkenal molecules, P1-ZCr catalyzed the hydrogenation of alpha,beta-unsaturated bonds, but not the reduction of the aldehyde moiety, to produce saturated aldehydes, as determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. We propose the enzyme name NADPH:2-alkenal alpha,beta-hydrogenase (ALH). A major portion of the NADPH-dependent HNE-reducing activity in A. thaliana leaves was inhibited by the specific antiserum against P1-ZCr, indicating that the endogenous P1-ZCr protein has ALH activity. Because expression of the P1-ZCr gene in A. thaliana is induced by oxidative stress treatments, we conclude that P1-ZCr functions as a defense against oxidative stress by scavenging the highly toxic, lipid peroxide-derived alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes.

Environmental stress causes oxidative damage to plant mitochondria leading to inhibition of glycine decarboxylase

A cytotoxic product of lipid peroxidation, 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE), rapidly inhibited glycine, malate/pyruvate, and 2-oxoglutarate-dependent O2 consumption by pea leaf mitochondria. Dose- and time-dependence of inhibition showed that glycine oxidation was the most severely affected with a K(0.5) of 30 microm. Several mitochondrial proteins containing lipoic acid moieties differentially lost their reactivity to a lipoic acid antibody following HNE treatment. The most dramatic loss of antigenicity was seen with the 17-kDa glycine decarboxylase complex (GDC) H-protein, which was correlated with the loss of glycine-dependent O2 consumption. Paraquat treatment of pea seedlings induced lipid peroxidation, which resulted in the rapid loss of glycine-dependent respiration and loss of H-protein reactivity with lipoic acid antibodies. Pea plants exposed to chilling and water deficit responded similarly. In contrast, the damage to other lipoic acid-containing mitochondrial enzymes was minor under these conditions. The implication of the acute sensitivity of glycine decarboxylase complex H-protein to lipid peroxidation products is discussed in the context of photorespiration and potential repair mechanisms in plant mitochondria.

Antioxidants as treatment for neurodegenerative disorders

Oxidative stress is a ubiquitously observed hallmark of neurodegenerative disorders. Neuronal cell dysfunction and cell death due to oxidative stress may causally contribute to the pathogenesis of progressive neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, as well as acute syndromes of neurodegeneration, such as ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke. Neuroprotective antioxidants are considered a promising approach to slowing the progression and limiting the extent of neuronal cell loss in these disorders. The clinical evidence demonstrating that antioxidant compounds can act as protective drugs in neurodegenerative disease, however, is still relatively scarce. In the following review, the available data from clinical, animal and cell biological studies regarding the role of antioxidant neuroprotection in progressive neurodegenerative disease will be summarised, focussing particularly on Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The general complications in developing potent neuroprotective antioxidant drugs directed against these long-term degenerative conditions will also be discussed. The major challenges for drug development are the slow kinetics of disease progression, the unsolved mechanistic questions concerning the final causalities of cell death, the necessity to attain an effective permeation of the blood-brain barrier and the need to reduce the high concentrations currently required to evoke protective effects in cellular and animal model systems. Finally, an outlook as to which direction antioxidant drug development and clinical practice may be leading to in the near future will be provided.

Distinct roles for glutathione S-transferases in the oxidative stress response in Schizosaccharomyces pombe

We have identified three genes, gst1(+), gst2(+), and gst3(+), encoding theta-class glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The gst1(+) and gst2(+) genes encode closely related proteins (79% identical). Our analysis suggests that Gst1, Gst2, and Gst3 all have GST activity with the substrate 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene and that Gst3 has glutathione peroxidase activity. Although Gst1 and Gst2 have no detectable peroxidase activity, all three gst genes are required for normal cellular resistance to peroxides. In contrast, each mutant is more resistant to diamide than wild-type cells. The gst1Delta, gst2Delta, and gst3Delta mutants are also more sensitive to fluconazole, suggesting that GSTs may be involved in anti-fungal drug detoxification. Both gst2(+) and gst3(+) mRNA levels increase in stationary phase, and all three gst genes are induced by hydrogen peroxide. Indeed, gst1(+), gst2(+), and gst3(+) are regulated by the stress-activated protein kinase Sty1. The Gst1 and Gst2 proteins are distributed throughout the cell and can form homodimers and Gst1-Gst2 heterodimers. In contrast, Gst3 is excluded from the nucleus and forms homodimers but not complexes with either Gst1 or Gst2. Collectively, our data suggest that GSTs have separate and overlapping roles in oxidative stress and drug responses in fission yeast.

Differential modulation of growth and glutathione metabolism in cultured rat astrocytes by 4-hydroxynonenal and green tea polyphenol, epigallocatechin-3-gallate

Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cancer and prominent neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Apoptosis and cell cycle deregulation appear to be the mode of cell death in these disorders. Green tea polyphenol, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) has been shown to be a potent antiinflammatory, apoptotic and cancer chemopreventive agent. 4-Hydroxynonenal (HNE), a by-product of lipid peroxidation (LPO), has been reported to induce apoptosis and inhibit growth in many cell systems including neuroglial cultures. We have studied both the dose and time dependent effects of HNE and EGCG on the viability of primary astrocyte cell cultures prepared from neonatal rats. HNE was found to be cytotoxic at a higher dose (0.1 mM) and markedly reduced (up to 80%) the astrocyte viability while EGCG did not appear to be cytotoxic under similar conditions. In addition, we have also studied the alterations in glutathione (GSH) and LPO levels and the activities of GSH metabolizing enzymes after treatment with HNE and EGCG. A 40% decrease in GSH level and a moderate increase in LPO were observed in HNE treated cells suggesting an increase in oxidative stress. HNE treatment caused a 50% decrease in GSH reductase and a 35% increase in GSH peroxidase activities. Although HNE treatment did not lead to any significant alterations in GSH-S-transferase (GST) activity, an increased expression of GST isoenzymes was seen following the exposure to HNE. EGCG treatment caused a significant increase in LPO even in the presence of elevated GSH content. In contrast to HNE, EGCG treatment resulted in a significant decrease (50%) in the activity and expression of GSTs. Treatment of astrocyte cultures with HNE, resulted in a severe impairment in mitochondrial respiration as measured by MTT exclusion assay, while treatment with EGCG had no effect on mitochondrial respiratory activity. Both HNE and EGCG were found to initiate apoptosis in astrocytes as measured by DNA fragmentation assay. However, HNE seems to be a stronger apoptotic and cytotoxic agent than EGCG. These results suggest that HNE and EGCG differentially modulate oxidative stress and regulate the growth and survival of astrocytes.

Conjugation of 4-hydroxynonenal by largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) glutathione S-transferases

The glutathione S-transferases (GST) are a major group of conjugative enzymes involved in the detoxification of electrophilic compounds and products of oxidative stress. We have previously described the kinetics of hepatic GST conjugation in largemouth bass using a variety of synthetic GST reference substrates. In the present study, we investigated the ability of largemouth bass hepatic GSTs to conjugate 4-hydroxynon-2-enal (4HNE), a mutagenic and cytotoxic alpha-beta-unsaturated aldehyde produced during oxidative injury. Hepatic cytosolic fractions from largemouth bass rapidly catalyzed GSH-dependent 4HNE conjugation, with the rate of GST-4HNE conjugation in bass liver exceeding those of several other mammalian and aquatic species. No apparent sex-related differences in GST-4HNE activity were observed among adult bass. SDS-PAGE and Western blotting analysis of GSH affinity-purified bass liver cytosolic GST revealed the presence of two major GST subunits of approximately 30 and 27 KDa that exhibited slight cross-reactivity when probed with a rat alpha class GST antibody, but not to rat mu, pi or theta class GST. The rapid conjugation of 4HNE by hepatic GST suggests an important role for GSTs in protecting against peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids in bass liver.

The cyclopentenone product of lipid peroxidation, 15-A(2t)-isoprostane (8-isoprostaglandin A(2)), is efficiently conjugated with glutathione by human and rat glutathione transferase A4-4

Glutathione transferases (GSTs) are a large family of enzymes that can be divided into different classes based on structure. There has been considerable interest in the ability of GSTs to conjugate and inactivate endogenously derived reactive lipid peroxidation products that contain alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl moieties such as 4-hydroxyalkenals. One enzyme with prominent activity toward these substrates is human GST A4-4. Recently, we described a novel series of compounds termed A(2)/J(2)-isoprostanes (IsoPs) that are formed endogenously in humans from the free radical-initiated peroxidation of arachidonic acid. These compounds contain alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl groups and have structures similar to cyclooxygenase-derived PGA(2) and PGJ(2). Because of their chemical reactivity, these compounds may mediate tissue injury associated with oxidant stress. Herein, we report that the A-ring IsoP 15-A(2t)-IsoP (8-iso-PGA(2)) is efficiently conjugated to glutathione (GSH) by human GST A4-4 with a k(cat)/K(m) value of >200 s(-)(1) mM(-)(1). The k(cat)/K(m) value for conjugation of 15-A(2t)-IsoP by the homologous rat GST A4-4 is >2000 s(-)(1) mM(-)(1). Similar high enzyme activities were observed when PGA(2) was used as a substrate. In contrast, the human GSTs A1-1, M1-1, M2-2, P1-1, and T1-1 and rat GST T2-2 did not significantly metabolize 15-A(2t)-IsoP. These studies have therefore defined a potentially important route by which cyclopentenone IsoPs are metabolized that may serve as a mechanism for the inactivation of these highly reactive compounds.

Multiple isoforms of mitochondrial glutathione S-transferases and their differential induction under oxidative stress

The mitochondrial respiratory chain, which consumes approx. 85-90% of the oxygen utilized by cells, is a major source of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Mitochondrial genetic and biosynthetic systems are highly susceptible to ROS toxicity. Intramitochondrial glutathione (GSH) is a major defence against ROS. In the present study, we have investigated the nature of the glutathione S-transferase (GST) pool in mouse liver mitochondria, and have purified three distinct forms of GST: GSTA1-1 and GSTA4-4 of the Alpha family, and GSTM1-1 belonging to the Mu family. The mitochondrial localization of these multiple GSTs was confirmed using a combination of immunoblot analysis, protease protection assay, enzyme activity, N-terminal amino acid sequencing, peptide mapping and confocal immunofluorescence analysis. Additionally, exogenously added 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE), a reactive byproduct of lipid peroxidation, to COS cells differentially affected the cytosolic and mitochondrial GSH pools in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Our results show that HNE-mediated mitochondrial oxidative stress caused a decrease in the GSH pool, increased membrane lipid peroxidation, and increased levels of GSTs, glutathione peroxidase and Hsp70 (heat-shock protein 70). The HNE-induced oxidative stress persisted for longer in the mitochondrial compartment, where the recovery of GSH pool was slower than in the cytosolic compartment. Our study, for the first time, demonstrates the presence in mitochondria of multiple forms of GSTs that show molecular properties similar to those of their cytosolic counterparts. Our results suggest that mitochondrial GSTs may play an important role in defence against chemical and oxidative stress.

Comparative expression of two alpha class glutathione S-transferases in human adult and prenatal liver tissues

The ability of the fetus to detoxify transplacental drugs and chemicals can be a critical determinant of teratogenesis and developmental toxicity. Developmentally regulated expression of alpha class glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) is of particular interest, since these isozymes have high activity toward peroxidative byproducts of oxidative injury that are linked to teratogenesis. The present study was initiated to examine the expression and catalytic activities of alpha class GST isozymes in human prenatal liver. Northern analysis demonstrated the presence of hGSTA1 and/or A2 (hGSTA1/2) and hGSTA4 steady-state mRNAs in second trimester prenatal livers. Western blotting of prenatal liver proteins provided corroborating evidence via detection of an hGSTA1/2-reactive protein in both cytosol and mitochondria and of hGSTA4-4-reactive protein in mitochondria alone. Catalytic studies demonstrated that prenatal liver cytosolic GSTs were active toward 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (a general GST reference substrate), delta5-androstene-3,17-dione (relatively specific for hGSTA1-1), and 4-hydroxynonenal, a highly mutagenic alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehyde produced during oxidative damage and a substrate for hGSTA4-4. Total GSH-peroxidase and GST-dependent peroxidase activities were 9- and 18-fold higher, respectively, in adult liver than in prenatal liver. Multiple tissue array analyses demonstrated considerable tissue-specific and developmental variation in GST mRNA expression. In summary, our results demonstrate the presence of two important alpha class GSTs in second trimester human prenatal tissues, and indicate that mitochondrial targeting of GST may represent an important pathway for removal of cytotoxic products in prenatal liver. Furthermore, the relatively inefficient prenatal reduction of hydroperoxides may underlie an increased susceptibility to maternally transferred pro-oxidant drugs and chemicals.

Conjugation of the linoleic acid oxidation product, 13-oxooctadeca-9,11-dienoic acid, a bioactive endogenous substrate for mammalian glutathione transferase

The oxidation of linoleic acid leads to the generation of several products with biological activity, including 13-oxooctadeca-9,11-dienoic acid (13-OXO), a bioactive 2,4-dienone that has been linked to cell differentiation. In the current work, the conjugation of 13-OXO by human glutathione transferases (GSTs) of the alpha (A1-1, A4-4), mu (M1-1, M2-2) and pi (the allelic variants P1-1/ile, and P1-1/val) classes, and a rat theta (rT2-2) class enzyme has been evaluated. The kinetics and stereoselectivity of the production of the 13-OXO-glutathione conjugate (13-OXO-SG) have been examined. In contrast to many xenobiotic substrates, the endogenous substrate 13-OXO does not exhibit an appreciable non-enzymatic rate of conjugation under physiological conditions. Therefore, the GST-catalyzed conjugation takes on greater significance as it provides the only realistic means for formation of 13-OXO-SG in most biological systems. Alpha class enzymes are most efficient at catalyzing the formation of 13-OXO-SG with kcat/Km values of 8.9 mM(-1) s(-1) for GST A1-1 and 2.14 mM(-1) s(-1) for GST A4-4. In comparison, enzymes from the mu and pi classes exhibit specificity constants from 0.4 to 0.8 mM(-1) s(-1). Conjugation of 13-OXO with glutathione at C-9 of the substrate can yield a pair of diastereomers that can be resolved by chiral HPLC. GSTs from the mu and pi classes are the most stereoselective enzymes and there is no apparent relationship between catalytic efficiency and stereoselectivity. The role of GST in the metabolic disposition of the bioactive oxidation products of linoleic acid has implications for the regulation of normal cellular functions by these versatile enzymes.

Chemical induction of cellular antioxidants affords marked protection against oxidative injury in vascular smooth muscle cells

Extensive evidence suggests that reactive oxygen species are critically involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis and myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. Consistent with this concept, administration of exogenous antioxidants has been shown to be protective against oxidative cardiovascular injury. However, whether induction of endogenous antioxidants by chemical inducers in vasculature also affords protection against oxidative vascular cell injury has not been extensively investigated. In this study, using rat aortic smooth muscle A10 cells as an in vitro system, we have studied the induction of cellular antioxidants by the unique chemoprotector, 3H-1,2-dithiole-3-thione [corrected] (D3T) and the protective effects of the D3T-induced cellular antioxidants against oxidative cell injury. Incubation of A10 cells with micromolar concentrations of D3T for 24 h resulted in a significant induction of a battery of cellular antioxidants in a concentration-dependent manner. These included reduced glutathione (GSH), GSH peroxidase, GSSG reductase, GSH S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase. To further examine the protective effects of the induced endogenous antioxidants against oxidative cell injury, A10 cells were pretreated with D3T and then exposed to either xanthine oxidase (XO)/xanthine, 4-hydroxynonenal, or cadmium. We observed that D3T pretreatment of A10 cells led to significant protection against the cytotoxicity induced by XO/xanthine, 4-hydroxynonenal or cadmium, as determined by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium reduction assay. Taken together, this study demonstrates for the first time that a number of endogenous antioxidants in vascular smooth muscle cells can be induced by exposure to D3T, and that this chemical induction of cellular antioxidants is accompanied by markedly increased resistance to oxidative vascular cell injury.

Hybridization of alpha class subunits generating a functional glutathione transferase A1-4 heterodimer

Within the Alpha class of the mammalian glutathione transferases two variants of subunit interfaces exist. One is conserved among the A4 subunits, whereas the second one is found in all other members of the Alpha class. The ability of the two Alpha class subunit interfaces to adopt a functional heterodimeric structure has been investigated here.The heterodimer GST A1-4 was obtained by co-expression of the two human Alpha class subunits A1 and A4 in Escherichia coli. A histidine tail was added to the N terminus of the A1 subunit to facilitate the purification of the heterodimer. The heterodimer was formed in a small proportion implying that the efficiency of the hybridization between subunit A1 and A4 is less than the propensity for homodimer formation. The hybrid enzyme was stable at low temperatures, but the two subunits dissociated and reassociated into homodimers at 40 degrees C. Three different substrates were used for subunit-selective kinetic characterization of the GST A1-4 heterodimer: 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene, nonenal and Delta(5)-androstene-3,17-dione. Both subunit A1 and subunit A4 were active in GST A1-4, but the specific activities and k(cat) values were lower than the average values of the two parental isoenzymes. However, at high temperatures the subunits of the hybrid enzyme dissociated and formed homodimers, and the activities increased to expected values. Hence, the low activities of the individual subunits in the heterodimer were reversible. The non-additive kinetic properties of the subunits in the heterodimer therefore highlight the importance of fine-tuned subunit interactions for optimal catalytic efficiency of GST A1-1 and GST A4-4.

Membrane association of glutathione S-transferase mGSTA4-4, an enzyme that metabolizes lipid peroxidation products

Lipid peroxidation products have signaling functions and at higher concentrations are toxic and may trigger cell death. The compounds are metabolized predominantly by glutathione S-transferases exemplified by mGSTA4-4, an enzyme highly efficient in glutathione conjugation of 4-hydroxyalkenals, and possessing glutathione peroxidase activity toward phospholipid hydroperoxides. mGSTA4-4 belongs to the predominant group of "canonical" glutathione S-transferases that are soluble and generally localized in the cytoplasm. The intracellular localization of mGSTA4-4 was examined in hepatocytes of normal mouse liver and in transfected HepG2 cells by fluorescence microscopy and digital deconvolution. mGSTA4-4 was found to be predominantly localized at or near the plasma membrane in transfected HepG2 cells, as well as in hepatocytes endogenously expressing the protein. In vitro, mGSTA4-4 associated with liposomes, and this interaction was potentiated when the liposomes contained negatively charged phospholipids. Mutating lysine 115 to glutamic acid resulted in a loss of the plasma membrane targeting of mGSTA4-4 as well as in a significant reduction of its binding to liposomes in vitro. These data suggest preferential targeting of mGSTA4-4 to the plasma membrane that may contain the major substrate(s) for this enzyme. Lysine 115 is critically important for the membrane association of mGSTA4-4, most likely by entering into an electrostatic interaction with negatively charged phospholipid headgroups.

Differential effects of iron overload on GST isoform expression in mouse liver and kidney and correlation between GSTA4 induction and overproduction of free radicles

We have investigated the effect of iron overload on the expression of mouse GSTA1, A4, M1, and P1 in liver, the main iron storage site during iron overload, and in kidney. In iron-overloaded animals, mRNA and protein levels of GSTA1, A4, and M1 were increased in liver. In kidney, GSTA4 protein level was also increased while, unexpectedly, GSTA1 and M1 expression was strongly decreased. We showed, by immunohistochemistry, that GSTA4 was more abundant in hepatocytes of periportal areas and in convoluted proximal tubular cells in normal liver and kidney, respectively. In iron-overloaded mice, GSTA4 staining was more intense in cells that preferentially accumulated iron, and conjugation of 4-hydroxynonenal, a specific substrate of GSTA4, was enhanced in both organs. Moreover an acute exposure of primary cultures of mouse hepatocytes to iron-citrate strongly induced oxidative stress and cellular injury and resulted in an increase in GSTA4 expression, while cotreatment with iron-citrate and either desferrioxamine or vitamin E prevented both toxicity and GSTA4 induction. These data demonstrate that GSTA1 and M1 are differentially regulated in liver and kidney while GSTA4 is induced in both organs during iron overload. Moreover, they support the view that iron-induction of GSTA4 is related to an overproduction of free radicals.

Catalytic function ofDrosophila melanogasterglutathioneS-transferase DmGSTS1-1 (GST-2) in conjugation of lipid peroxidation end products

Drosophila melanogaster glutathione S-transferase DmGSTS1-1 (earlier designated as GST-2) is related to sigma class GSTs and was previously described as an indirect flight muscle-associated protein with no known catalytic properties. We now report that DmGSTS1-1 isolated from Drosophila or expressed in Escherichia coli is essentially inactive toward the commonly used synthetic substrate 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB), but has relatively high glutathione-conjugating activity for 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), an electrophilic aldehyde derived from lipid peroxidation. 4-HNE is thought to have signaling functions and, at higher concentrations, has been shown to be cytotoxic and involved in the etiology of various degenerative diseases. Drosophila strains carrying P-element insertions in the GstS1 gene have a reduced capacity for glutathione conjugation of 4-HNE. In flies with both, one, or none of the GstS1 alleles disrupted by P-element insertion, there is a linear correlation between DmGSTS1-1 protein content and 4-HNE-conjugating activity. This correlation indicates that in adult Drosophila 70 +/- 6% of the capacity to conjugate 4-HNE is attributable to DmGSTS1-1. The high abundance of DmGSTS1-1 (approximately 2% of the soluble protein in adult flies) and its previously reported localization in tissues that are either highly aerobic (indirect flight muscle) or especially sensitive to oxidative damage (neuronal tissue) suggest that the enzyme may have a protective role against deleterious effects of oxidative stress. Such function in insects would be analogous to that carried out in mammals by specialized alpha class glutathione S-transferases (e.g. GSTA4-4). The independent emergence of 4-HNE-conjugating activity in more than one branch of the glutathione S-transferase superfamily suggests that 4-HNE catabolism may be essential for aerobic life.

Powerful and prolonged protection of human retinal pigment epithelial cells, keratinocytes, and mouse leukemia cells against oxidative damage: the indirect antioxidant effects of sulforaphane

Mammalian cells are equipped with elaborate systems for protection against the toxicity of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and electrophiles that are constant dangers to the integrity of their DNA. Phase 2 enzymes (e.g., glutathione transferases, NAD(P)H:quinone reductase) and glutathione synthesis are widely recognized as playing major protective roles against electrophilic carcinogens, but their antioxidant functions have attracted far less attention. The cytotoxicities of four oxidative stressors (menadione, tert-butyl hydroperoxide, 4-hydroxynonenal, and peroxynitrite) for human adult retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19) were quantified by measuring the concentration dependence of cell death and were expressed as the median effect dose (D(m)) for each oxidant. After treatment of ARPE-19 cells for 24 h with 0-5 microM concentrations of sulforaphane (the powerful Phase 2 enzyme inducer isolated from broccoli), the toxicities of the oxidants were markedly reduced as shown by 1.5- to 3-fold increases in D(m) values. The magnitude of protection was a function of the nature of the oxidants and the concentrations of both the oxidants and sulforaphane. Protection was prolonged and persisted for several days after removal of sulforaphane before returning to control levels. The sulforaphane-dependent increases in specific activities of cytosolic quinone reductase and the glutathione levels were highly significantly correlated with the degree of protection as measured by D(m) values. Antioxidant protection was also demonstrated for human HaCaT keratinocytes and L1210 murine leukemia cells. It is therefore highly likely that the multifaceted and prolonged antioxidant protection provided by sulforaphane is a general phenomenon that is mediated through induction of the Phase 2 enzyme response.

Immunohistological analysis of glutathione transferase A4 distribution in several human tissues using a specific polyclonal antibody

We examined the cellular distribution of glutathione transferase A4 (GSTA4) in various human tissues by indirect immunoperoxidase using a specific polyclonal antibody raised in rabbit. This enzyme was localized in hepatocytes, bile duct cells, and vascular endothelial cells in liver, upper layers of keratinocytes and sebaceous and sweat glands in skin, proximal convoluted tubules in kidney, epithelial cells of mucosa and muscle cells in colon, muscle cells in heart, and neurons in brain. Staining was increased in pathological situations such as cirrhosis, UV-irradiated skin, and myocardial infarction and was strongly decreased in hepatocellular carcinoma. These results strongly support the view of a close correlation between cellular GSTA4 localization and the formation of reactive oxygen species in the tissues investigated.

Microsomal glutathione S-transferase A1-1 with glutathione peroxidase activity from sheep liver: molecular cloning, expression and characterization

A 25 kDa subunit of glutathione S-transferase (GST) from sheep liver microsomes (microsomal GSTA1-1) with a significant selenium-independent glutathione peroxidase activity has been isolated and characterized. Several analytical criteria, including EDTA stripping, protease protection assay and extraction with alkaline Na(2)CO(3), indicate that the microsomal GSTA1-1 is associated with the inner microsomal membrane. The specific cDNA nucleotide sequence reveals that the enzyme is made up of 222 amino acid residues and shares approx. 73-83% sequence similarity to Alpha-class GSTs from different species. The molecular mass, as determined by electrospray mass ionization, is 25611.3 Da. The enzyme is distinct from the previously reported rat liver microsomal GST in both amino acid sequence and catalytic properties [Morgenstern, Guthenberg and DePierre (1982) Eur. J. Biochem. 128, 243-248]. The microsomal GSTA1-1 differs from the sheep liver cytosolic GSTs, reported previously from this laboratory, in its substrate specificity profile and molecular mass [Reddy, Burgess, Gong, Massaro and Tu (1983) Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 224, 87-101]. In addition to catalysing the conjugation of 4-hydroxynonenal with GSH, the enzyme also exhibits significant glutathione peroxidase activity towards physiologically relevant fatty acid hydroperoxides, such as linoleic and arachidonic acid hydroperoxides, as well as phosphatidylcholine hydroperoxide, but not with H(2)O(2). Thus the microsomal GSTA1-1 isoenzyme might have an important role in the protection of biological membranes against oxidative damage.

Structure, function and evolution of glutathione transferases: implications for classification of non-mammalian members of an ancient enzyme superfamily

The glutathione transferases (GSTs; also known as glutathione S-transferases) are major phase II detoxification enzymes found mainly in the cytosol. In addition to their role in catalysing the conjugation of electrophilic substrates to glutathione (GSH), these enzymes also carry out a range of other functions. They have peroxidase and isomerase activities, they can inhibit the Jun N-terminal kinase (thus protecting cells against H(2)O(2)-induced cell death), and they are able to bind non-catalytically a wide range of endogenous and exogenous ligands. Cytosolic GSTs of mammals have been particularly well characterized, and were originally classified into Alpha, Mu, Pi and Theta classes on the basis of a combination of criteria such as substrate/inhibitor specificity, primary and tertiary structure similarities and immunological identity. Non-mammalian GSTs have been much less well characterized, but have provided a disproportionately large number of three-dimensional structures, thus extending our structure-function knowledge of the superfamily as a whole. Moreover, several novel classes identified in non-mammalian species have been subsequently identified in mammals, sometimes carrying out functions not previously associated with GSTs. These studies have revealed that the GSTs comprise a widespread and highly versatile superfamily which show similarities to non-GST stress-related proteins. Independent classification systems have arisen for groups of organisms such as plants and insects. This review surveys the classification of GSTs in non-mammalian sources, such as bacteria, fungi, plants, insects and helminths, and attempts to relate them to the more mainstream classification system for mammalian enzymes. The implications of this classification with regard to the evolution of GSTs are discussed.

Antioxidative function and substrate specificity of NAD(P)H-dependent alkenal/one oxidoreductase. A new role for leukotriene B4 12-hydroxydehydrogenase/15-oxoprostaglandin 13-reductase

There are several known routes for the metabolic detoxication of alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes and ketones, including conjugation to glutathione and reduction and oxidation of the aldehyde to an alcohol and a carboxylic acid, respectively. In this study, we describe a fourth class of detoxication that involves the reduction of the alpha,beta-carbon=carbon double bond to a single bond. This reaction is catalyzed by NAD(P)H-dependent alkenal/one oxidoreductase (AO), an enzyme heretofore known as leukotriene B4 12-hydroxydehydrogenase, 15-oxoprostaglandin 13-reductase, and dithiolethione-inducible gene-1. AO is shown to effectively reduce cytotoxic lipid peroxidation products such as 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) (k(cat) = 4.0 x 10(3) min(-1); k(cat)/K(m) = 3.3 x 10(7) min(-1) M(-1)) and acrolein (k(cat) = 2.2 x 10(2) min(-1); k(cat)/K(m) = 1.5 x 10(6) min(-1) M(-1)) and common industrial compounds such as ethyl vinyl ketone (k(cat) = 9.6 x 10(3) min(-1); k(cat)/K(m) = 8.8 x 10(7) min(-1) M(-1)) and 15-oxoprostaglandin E1 (k(cat) = 2.4 x 10(3) min(-1); k(cat)/K(m) = 2.4 x 10(9) min(-1) M(-1)). Furthermore, transfection of human embryonic kidney cells with a rat liver AO expression vector protected these cells from challenge with HNE. The concentration of HNE at which 50% of the cells were killed after 24 h increased from approximately 15 microM in control cells to approximately 70 microM in AO-transfected cells. Overexpression of AO also completely abolished protein alkylation by HNE at all concentrations tested (up to 30 microM). Thus, we describe a novel antioxidative activity of a previously characterized bioactive lipid-metabolizing enzyme that could prove to be therapeutically or prophylactically useful due to its high catalytic rate and inducibility.

Accelerated metabolism and exclusion of 4-hydroxynonenal through induction of RLIP76 and hGST5.8 is an early adaptive response of cells to heat and oxidative stress

To explore the role of lipid peroxidation (LPO) products in the initial phase of stress mediated signaling, we studied the effect of mild, transient oxidative or heat stress on parameters that regulate the cellular concentration of 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE). When K562 cells were exposed to mild heat shock (42 degrees C, 30 min) or oxidative stress (50 microM H2O2, 20 min) and allowed to recover for 2 h, there was a severalfold induction of hGST5.8, which catalyzes the formation of glutathione-4-HNE conjugate (GS-HNE), and RLIP76, which mediates the transport of GS-HNE from cells (Awasthi, S., Cheng, J., Singhal, S. S., Saini, M. K., Pandya, U., Pikula, S., Bandorowicz-Pikula, J., Singh, S. V., Zimniak, P., and Awasthi, Y. C. (2000) Biochemistry 39, 9327-9334). Enhanced LPO was observed in stressed cells, but the major antioxidant enzymes and HSP70 remained unaffected. The stressed cells showed higher GS-HNE-conjugating activity and increased efflux of GS-HNE. Stress-pre-conditioned cells with induced hGST5.8 and RLIP76 acquired resistance to 4-HNE and H2O2-mediated apoptosis by suppressing a sustained activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase and caspase 3. The protective effect of stress pre-conditioning against apoptosis was abrogated by coating the cells with anti-RLIP76 IgG, which inhibited the efflux of GS-HNE from cells, indicating that the cells acquired resistance to apoptosis by metabolizing and excluding 4-HNE at a higher rate. Induction of hGST5.8 and RLIP76 by mild, transient stress and the resulting resistance of stress-pre-conditioned cells to apoptosis appears to be a general phenomenon since it was not limited to K562 cells but was also evident in lung cancer cells, H-69, H-226, human leukemia cells, HL-60, and human retinal pigmented epithelial cells. These results strongly suggest a role of LPO products, particularly 4-HNE, in the initial phase of stress mediated signaling.

Phytochemicals from cruciferous plants protect against cancer by modulating carcinogen metabolism

Several epidemiologic studies suggest that consumption of cruciferous vegetables may be particularly effective (compared with total fruit and vegetable consumption) in reducing cancer risk at several organ sites. Crucifers that are widely consumed are especially rich in glucosinolates, which are converted by plant myrosinase and gastrointestinal microflora to isothiocyanates. A number of isothiocyanates and a limited number of glucosinolates that were examined effectively block chemical carcinogenesis in animal models. Many isothiocyanates are also potent inducers of phase 2 proteins. Substantial evidence supports the view that phase 2 enzyme induction is a highly effective strategy for reducing susceptibility to carcinogens. This conclusion has recently received strong molecular support from experiments on mice in which the specific transcription factor, nrf2, which is essential for induction of phase 2 proteins, was deleted. In these knock-out mice, the basal levels of phase 2 enzymes are very low and not inducible. Accordingly, these mice are much more susceptible than their wild-type counterparts to benzo[a]pyrene forestomach carcinogenesis and are not protected by phase 2 inducers. These experiments provide very strong evidence for a major role of phase 2 enzymes in controlling the risk of exposure to carcinogens. An increasing number of phase 2 proteins that exert a variety of protective mechanisms are being identified. Thus, in addition to detoxifying electrophiles, these proteins exercise versatile, long-lasting and catalytic antioxidant protection.

Elevation of AKR7A2 (succinic semialdehyde reductase) in neurodegenerative disease

Elevated levels of oxidative stress or decreased antioxidant defense mechanisms may underlie the regionally increased oxidative damage to brain observed in many neurodegenerative disorders. Phase I detoxification pathways for reactive aldehydes generated from lipid peroxidation include aldehyde dehydrogenases, alcohol dehydrogenases and aldo-keto reductases (AKR). In the present study, we examined the cellular expression of AKR family member, succinic semialdehyde reductase (AKR7A2) that reduces toxic aldehydes as well as catalyzing the biosynthesis of the neuromodulator gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB). Our results show that in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, AKR7A2 is primarily localized to glial cells, astrocytes and microglia. In the midbrain, AKR7A2 was found in glia and neuromelanin-containing neurons of the substantia nigra, and the periaqueductal gray. In sections of cerebral cortex and hippocampus from patients with AD and DLB, AKR7A2 immunoreactivity was elevated in reactive astrocytes and microglial cells. Furthermore, total AKR7A2 protein levels were elevated in the cerebral cortex of patients with AD versus control individuals. Our data suggest that reactive gliosis, as a response to injury, may affect GHB neuromodulatory pathways in neurodegenerative disease and elevate aldehyde detoxification pathways.

Improved heterologous expression of human glutathione transferase A4-4 by random silent mutagenesis of codons in the 5' region

Glutathione transferase A4-4 (GST A4-4) is involved in the detoxication of lipid peroxidation products such as alkenals. The human enzyme has been heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli, but for more extensive characterization of the enzyme the expression level had to be elevated. A clone providing up to 8-fold higher yields was created, by screening an expression library with random silent mutations in the 5' region of the cDNA encoding GST A4-4.

Chromosome and oxidative damage biomarkers in lymphocytes of Parkinson's disease patients

As cancer development usually results from exposure to several environmental risk factors in interaction with the genetic susceptibility of the host, it could be of interest to investigate if neurodegeneration, as occurs in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients can be attributed at least partially, to environmental risk factors. There is growing evidence that oxidative stress could play a significant role as a risk factor in the aetiology and pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, emphasising the need for new individual and human-based approaches. The aim of our research is to explore the relation between chromosome instability and oxidative stress biomarkers in Parkinson's disease using a variety of strategies. We determined peripheral markers for oxidative damage in PD by testing for spontaneous and induced chromosomal damage, DNA strand breaks, oxidised pyrimidines and altered purines both in peripheral blood and cultured lymphocytes. We also measured glutathione S-transferase activity in the plasma of patients and controls. Compared to healthy controls, PD patients show higher frequencies of micronuclei (17.2 +/- 4.8 vs. 9.0 +/- 3.4, p < 0.001) and a significant increase in the levels of single strand breaks (SSB). Significant differences were also obtained in the distribution of oxidised purine bases between the two groups. Preliminary data obtained by fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis showed that the percentage of centromere negative micronuclei is higher than that of centromere positive micronuclei. Glutathione S-transferase activity in plasma from PD patients and controls was also measured and the enzymatic activity in PD patients was lower than in healthy controls.

The role of human glutathione S-transferases (hGSTs) in the detoxification of the food-derived carcinogen metabolite N-acetoxy-PhIP, and the effect of a polymorphism in hGSTA1 on colorectal cancer risk

Food-derived heterocyclic amines (HCAs), particularly 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP), are implicated in the etiology of human colorectal cancer (CRC) via a process of N-oxidation followed by O-acetylation or O-sulfation to form electrophilic metabolites that react with DNA. Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) detoxify activated carcinogen metabolites by catalysis of their reaction with GSH. However, among HCAs, only N-acetoxy-PhIP has been shown to be a substrate for the GSTs. By using a competitive DNA-binding assay, we confirm that hGSTA1-1 is an efficient catalyst of the detoxification of N-acetoxy-PhIP. Further, we show that hGSTs A2-2, P1-1, M1-1, T1-1 and T2-2 appear to have low activity towards N-acetoxy-PhIP, and that hGSTs A4-4, M2-2, M4-4 and Z1-1 appear to have no activity towards N-acetoxy-PhIP. A genetic polymorphism in the 5'-regulatory sequence of hGSTA1 has been shown to correlate with the relative and absolute levels of expression of GSTA1/GSTA2 in human liver. Examination of hGSTA1 allele frequency in 100 Caucasian CRC patients and 226 Caucasian controls demonstrated a significant over-representation of the homozygous hGSTA1*B genotype among cases compared to controls (24.0 and 13.7%, respectively, P=0.04). This corresponds to an odds ratio for risk of CRC of 2.0 (95% CI 1.0-3.7) when comparing homozygous hGSTA1*B individuals with all other genotypes. Thus, individuals who are homozygous hGSTA1*B, and who would be predicted to have the lowest levels of hGSTA1 expression in their livers, appear to be at risk of developing CRC, possibly as a result of inefficient hepatic detoxification of N-acetoxy-PhIP.

Human glutathione transferase A1-1 demonstrates both half-of-the-sites and all-of-the-sites reactivity

A study of the kinetics of a heterodimeric variant of glutathione transferase (GST) A1-1 has led to the conclusion that, although the wild-type enzyme displays all-of-the-sites reactivity in nucleophilic aromatic substitution reactions, it demonstrates half-of-the-sites reactivity in addition reactions. The heterodimer, designed to be essentially catalytically inactive in one subunit due to a single point mutation (D101K), and the two parental homodimers were analyzed with seven different substrates, exemplifying three types of reactions catalyzed by glutathione transferases (nucleophilic aromatic substitution, addition, and double-bond isomerization reactions). Stopped-flow kinetic results suggested that the wild-type GST A1-1 behaved with half-of-the-sites reactivity in a nucleophilic aromatic substitution reaction, but steady-state kinetic analyses of the GST A1-D101K heterodimer revealed that this was presumably due to changes to the extinction coefficient of the enzyme-bound product. In contrast, steady-state kinetic analysis of the heterodimer with three different substrates of addition reactions provided evidence that the wild-type enzyme displayed half-of-the-sites reactivity in association with these reactions. The half-of-the-sites reactivity was shown not to be dependent on substrate size, the level of saturation of the enzyme with glutathione, or relative catalytic rate.

The interplay of glutathione-related processes in antioxidant defense

This review summarizes current knowledge on glutathione (GSH) associated cellular processes that play a central role in defense against oxidative stress. GSH itself is a critical factor in maintaining the cellular redox balance and has been demonstrated to be involved in regulation of cell signalling and repair pathways. Enhanced expression of various enzymes involved in GSH metabolism, including glutathione peroxidases, γ-glutamyl cysteinyl synthetase (γ-GCS), glutathione S-transferases (GST) and membrane proteins belonging to the ATP-binding cassette family, such as the multidrug resistance associated protein, have all been demonstrated to play a prominent role in cellular resistance towards oxidative stress. This review stresses the fact that aco-ordinateinterplay between these systems is essential for efficient protection against oxidative stress.

Human glutathione transferase A3-3, a highly efficient catalyst of double-bond isomerization in the biosynthetic pathway of steroid hormones

The cDNA of a novel human glutathione transferase (GST) of the Alpha class was cloned, and the corresponding protein, denoted GST A3-3, was heterologously expressed and characterized. GST A3-3 was found to efficiently catalyze obligatory double-bond isomerizations of Delta(5)-androstene-3,17-dione and Delta(5)-pregnene-3,20-dione, precursors to testosterone and progesterone, respectively, in steroid hormone biosynthesis. The catalytic efficiency (k(cat)/K(m)) with Delta(5)-androstene-3,17-dione was determined as 5 x 10(6) m(-1) s(-1), which is considerably higher than with any other GST substrate tested. The rate of acceleration afforded by GST A3-3 is 6 x 10(8) based on the ratio between k(cat) and the rate constant for the nonenzymatic isomerization of Delta(5)-androstene-3,17-dione. Besides being high in absolute numbers, the k(cat)/K(m) value of GST A3-3 exceeds by a factor of approximately 230 that of 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/isomerase, the enzyme generally considered to catalyze the Delta(5)-Delta(4) double-bond isomerization. Furthermore, GSTA3-specific polymerase chain reaction analysis of cDNA libraries from various tissues showed a message only in those characterized by active steroid hormone biosynthesis, indicating a selective expression of GST A3-3 in these tissues. Based on this finding and the high activity with steroid substrates, we propose that GST A3-3 has evolved to catalyze isomerization reactions that contribute to the biosynthesis of steroid hormones.

Transfection of mGSTA4 in HL-60 cells protects against 4-hydroxynonenal-induced apoptosis by inhibiting JNK-mediated signaling

The mammalian alpha-class glutathione S-transferase (GST) isozymes mGSTA4-4, rGSTA4-4, and hGSTA4-4 are known to utilize 4-hydroxynonenal (4HNE) as a preferred substrate. During the present studies, we have examined the effect of transfecting human myeloid HL-60 cells with mGSTA4, on 4-HNE-induced apoptosis and the associated signaling mechanisms. Results of these studies show that treatment of the wild-type or vector-only-transfected HL-60 cells with 20 microM 4-HNE caused apoptosis within 2 h. The cells transfected with mGSTA4 did not undergo apoptosis under these conditions even after 4 h. In the wild-type and vector-transfected cells, apoptosis was preceded by JNK activation and c-Jun phosphorylation within 30 min, and an increase in AP-1 binding within 2 h of treatment with 20 microM 4-HNE. In mGSTA4-transfected cells, JNK activation and c-Jun phosphorylation were observed after 1 h, and increased AP-1 binding was observed after 8 h under these conditions. In the control cells, 20 microM 4-HNE caused caspase 3 activation and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage within 2 h, while in mGSTA4-transfected cells, a lesser degree of these effects was observed even after 8 h. Transfection with mGSTA4 also provided protection to the cells from 4-HNE and doxorubicin cytotoxicity (1.6- and 2.6-fold, respectively). These results show that 4-HNE mediates apoptosis through its effects on JNK and caspase 3, and that 4-HNE metabolizing GST isozyme(s) may be important in the regulation of this pathway of oxidative-stress-induced apoptosis.

Expression and activities of aldo-keto oxidoreductases in Alzheimer disease

A reactive intermediate generated by lipid peroxidation, 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE), has received considerable attention as a potential effector of oxidative damage and Abeta peptide-mediated neurotoxicity in Alzheimer disease (AD). However, little is known about aldo-keto oxidoreductases, a group of enzymes that constitute a major detoxifying pathway for HNE and related reactive aldehydes in human brain. We have determined the regional, cellular, and class distribution in human brain of the 4 major aldo-keto oxidoreductases that detoxify HNE: aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH): aldose reductase; aldehyde reductase: and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH). Of these 4 enzymes, only ALDH and aldose reductase were expressed in cerebral cortex. hippocampus, basal ganglia, and midbrain: all 4 enzymes were present in cerebellum. In cerebrum and hippocampus, aldose reductase was localized to pyramidal neurons and mitochondrial class 2 ALDH was localized to glia and senile plaques. ALDH, but not aldose reductase, activity was significantly increased in temporal cortex from patients with AD compared to age-matched controls. These results suggest that in brain regions involved in AD, neurons and glia utilize different mechanisms to detoxify HNE, and that increased ALDH activity is a protective response of cerebral cortex to AD.

Development of a peptide antibody specific to human glutathione S-transferase alpha 4-4 (hGSTA4-4) reveals preferential localization in human liver mitochondria

The reactive cellular products generated during the peroxidation of membrane lipids have been implicated as causative agents in a variety of degenerative diseases and aging. In particular, 4-hydroxynon-2-enal (4HNE) is among the most of the produced during lipid peroxidation. In humans and rodent species, the alpha 4 subclass of glutathione S-transferases (mGSTA4-4, rGSTA4-4, hGST-5.8, and hGSTA4-4) exhibits uniquely high glutathione conjugation activity toward 4HNE and other hydroxyalkenals. In human liver, hGSTA4-4-mediated 4HNE conjugation appears to represent the high-affinity pathway for 4HNE detoxification. In the present study, a highly specific polyclonal antibody was developed against hGSTA4-4. Western blotting analysis of human liver subcellular fractions as well as N-terminal sequencing revealed that hGSTA4-4 was localized to mitochondrial fractions, but was not detected in cytosolic fractions. Our results provide evidence that in adult liver, hGSTA4-4 is specifically targeted to the mitochondrion to the apparent exclusion of the cytosol. Targeting of hGSTA4-4 to the mitochondrion holds implications for degenerative diseases associated with oxidative stress that arise from aerobic respiration.

Purification and characterization of multiple glutathione S-transferase isozymes from Chironomidae larvae

Glutathione S-transferase (GST) has been implicated in the process of biotransformation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and of other organic pollutants by Chironomidae larvae. We have purified and characterized GST from cytosolic fractions of Chironomidae larvae. GST with an M(r) of 23 kDa has been purified to homogeneity from larvae by centrifugation, size exclusion chromatography on Sephadex G25, and glutathione affinity and anion exchange chromatography. The purified enzyme exhibited moderate activity towards 1,2-dichloro-4-nitrobenzene, 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene, 4-nitropyridine-N-oxide, p-nitrobenzyl chloride, ethacrynic acid, and cumene hydroperoxide. The enzyme was homogeneous on gel isoelectric focusing and on SDS gel electrophoresis. Its isoelectric point was estimated to be 5.5. The enzyme had a maximum activity at approximately pH 8 and showed activity between 30 and 40 degrees C. It became inactive at higher temperature (>50 degrees C) for 5 min. The N-terminal sequence analysis of the amino acids shows a high % of conserved regions in the enzyme. The enzyme activity was comparable to levels of metabolism observed by animal GST involved in the detoxification of xenobiotics.

Role of glutathione S-transferases in protection against lipid peroxidation. Overexpression of hGSTA2-2 in K562 cells protects against hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis and inhibits JNK and caspase 3 activation

The physiological significance of the selenium-independent glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity of glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), associated with the major Alpha class isoenzymes hGSTA1-1 and hGSTA2-2, is not known. In the present studies we demonstrate that these isoenzymes show high GPx activity toward phospholipid hydroperoxides (PL-OOH) and they can catalyze GSH-dependent reduction of PL-OOH in situ in biological membranes. A major portion of GPx activity of human liver and testis toward phosphatidylcholine hydroperoxide (PC-OOH) is contributed by the Alpha class GSTs. Overexpression of hGSTA2-2 in K562 cells attenuates lipid peroxidation under normal conditions as well as during the oxidative stress and confers about 1.5-fold resistance to these cells from H(2)O(2) cytotoxicity. Treatment with 30 microm H(2)O(2) for 48 h or 40 microm PC-OOH for 8 h causes apoptosis in control cells, whereas hGSTA2-2-overexpressing cells are protected from apoptosis under these conditions. In control cells, H(2)O(2) treatment causes an early (within 2 h), robust, and persistent (at least 24 h) activation of JNK, whereas in hGSTA2-2-overexpressing cells, only a slight activation of JNK activity is observed at 6 h which declines to basal levels within 24 h. Caspase 3-mediated poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage is also inhibited in cells overexpressing hGSTA2-2. hGSTA2 transfection does not affect the function of antioxidant enzymes including GPx activity toward H(2)O(2) suggesting that the Alpha class GSTs play an important role in regulation of the intracellular concentrations of the lipid peroxidation products that may be involved in the signaling mechanisms of apoptosis.

Development of a Rapid and Sensitive Immunofluorometric Assay for Glutathione S-Transferase A

Background: The short half-life of the α-class glutathione S-transferases (GSTAs) in plasma combined with their even distribution throughout the liver lobule suggests that they may be useful complements to the more traditionally used liver markers. However, the currently available assays for measuring GSTAs in biological fluids have a poor dynamic range and are cumbersome, requiring multiple steps and prolonged incubation times.

Methods: Hybridomas that secrete monoclonal antibodies to human GSTAs were produced and used to develop a rapid one-step immunometric assay for the determination of GSTA in serum. The assay uses a time-resolved immunofluorometric assay (TR-IFMA) format and requires 35 min of incubation. The reference interval was determined using 208 serum samples from healthy blood donors. We also compared our TR-IFMA with a commercially available enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for GSTAs.

Results: The assay had a detection limit of 0.07 μg/L with a measuring range up to 625 μg/L. Within-run imprecision (CV) was 1.8–2.6% over the concentrations of GSTA tested (2.5–311 μg/L), with a between-run CV of &lt;5%. In healthy blood donors, the median values and reference intervals were 2.0 μg/L and 0.6–7.2 μg/L for females and 2.6 μg/L and 0.7–9.8 μg/L for males, respectively. GSTA concentrations determined with the TR-IFMA correlated well with those obtained using a commercially available EIA.

Conclusions: This report describes a new assay for monitoring the concentrations of GSTAs in human serum. The method may be useful in further evaluating the potential of monitoring serum GSTAs in the routine clinical setting.

The effect of aging on glutathione peroxidase-i knockout mice-resistance of the lens to oxidative stress

Populations of control, C, and glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPx-1) knockout mice, K, were studied over a period of 2 years. No significant difference was observed between the C and K populations with respect to longevity, vitality, weight, lens biochemistry or morphology based on light and electron microscopy. It was concluded that under normal animal room barrier facilities, GPx-1 is not required. Furthermore, C and K lenses placed in organ culture and observed over a 24 hr period were indistinguishable. Organ cultured C lenses degraded medium H(2)O(2)levels at only a slightly greater rate than K lenses and this did not appear to change with age. However, tertiary butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) was degraded less effectively by K lenses and this deficiency increased with age. No indication of change in redox non-protein SH (equivalent to GSH) status was observed between C and K whole lenses or epithelial cell fractions. With H(2)O(2)stress, the drop in C and K non-protein SH was comparable and there was little change with age. Examination of the impact of photochemical stress with 1.5 microM riboflavin and 4% O(2)upon choline transport indicated considerable damage with both C and K lenses, but little difference between the two populations until 1 or 2 years of age when the K lenses appear more vulnerable. With TBHP, the detrimental effect on the K lenses is greater and is observed earlier than with photochemical stress suggesting that the K lens membrane function is more susceptible to phospholipid hydroperoxide stress than are C lenses. Light and electron microscopy of the oxidative stressed lenses indicates significant damage which was generally somewhat greater in the K lenses. TBHP was a more potent oxidant than photochemically generated oxidants particularly at the anterior pole. The overall results suggest that under normal conditions, at any age, the lens does not require the presence of GPx-1 but depending on the type of oxidative stress, the enzyme may significantly contribute to its defense and this dependency may increase with age.

Two distinct 4-hydroxynonenal metabolizing glutathione S-transferase isozymes are differentially expressed in human tissues

The two previously reported human glutathione S-transferase isozymes, hGST5.8 and hGSTA4-4, have been suggested to be similar because of their comparable activities toward 4-hydroxynonenal-GSH conjugation. Here, we demonstrate that hGST5.8 and hGSTA4-4 are distinct. Antibodies raised against hGSTA4-4 did not recognize hGST5.8, and antibodies raised against mouse GSTA4-4 that cross-react with hGST5.8 did not recognize hGSTA4-4. The pI value of hGSTA4-4 was found to be 8.4, as opposed to the pI value of 5.8 for hGST5.8. The two isozymes are differentially expressed in human tissues and there are significant differences in their kinetic properties. While both isozymes showed a strong expression in liver and testis, hGSTA4-4 was not detected in brain where hGST5.8 was present. In the pancreas, a strong expression of hGST5.8 was observed while hGSTA4-4 was barely detectable in this tissue.

Changes in thiol content and expression of glutathione redox system genes in the hippocampus and cerebellum in Alzheimer's disease

In this report, we compared total and protein-bound thiol levels in the hippocampus and cerebellum of six Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients and six age-matched control subjects. Total level of sulfhydryl (SH) groups, determined using the 5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) method, was not significantly altered in the hippocampus and cerebellum of AD patients. The level of protein-bound SH groups, determined by labeling with 3-(N-maleimido-propionyl) biocytin, was decreased in the AD hippocampus compared with controls. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis of the expression of key glutathione redox system genes demonstrated the induction of glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase messages in the AD hippocampus. Levels of glutathione transferase mu and A4-4 messages were unchanged. This study suggests that protective antioxidant gene responses are insufficient to counteract the increased oxidative damage of proteins in a vulnerable region of the AD brain.