Characterization of Glutathione S-Transferase Isoforms in Three Maize Inbred Lines Exhibiting Differential Sensitivity to Alachlor

Mechanism of Resistance to S-metolachlor in Palmer amaranth

Herbicides are major tools for effective weed management. The evolution of resistance to herbicides in weedy species, especially contributed by non-target-site-based resistance (NTSR) is a worrisome issue in crop production globally. Glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) is one of the extremely difficult weeds in southern US crop production. In this study, we present the level and molecular basis of resistance to the chloroacetamide herbicide, S-metolachlor, in six field-evolved A. palmeri populations that had survivors at the recommended field-dose (1.1 kg ai ha^-1). These samples were collected in 2014 and 2015. The level of resistance was determined in dose-response assays. The effective dose for 50% control (ED₅₀) of the susceptible population was 27 g ai ha^-1, whereas the ED₅₀ of the resistant populations ranged from 88 to 785 g ai ha^-1. Therefore, A. palmeri resistance to S-metolachlor evolved in Arkansas as early as 2014. Metabolic-inhibitor and molecular assays indicated NTSR in these populations, mainly driven by GSTs. To understand the mechanism of resistance, selected candidate genes were analyzed in leaves and roots of survivors (with 1 × S-metolachlor). Expression analysis of the candidate genes showed that the primary site of S-metolachlor detoxification in A. palmeri is in the roots. Two GST genes, ApGSTU19 and ApGSTF8 were constitutively highly expressed in roots of all plants across all resistant populations tested. The expression of both GSTs increased further in survivors after treatment with S-metolachlor. The induction level of ApGSTF2 and ApGSTF2like by S-metolachlor differed among resistant populations. Overall, higher expression of ApGSTU19, ApGSTF8, ApGSTF2, and ApGSTF2like, which would lead to higher GST activity in roots, was strongly associated with the resistant phenotype. Phylogenetic relationship and analysis of substrate binding site of candidate genes suggested functional similarities with known metolachlor-detoxifying GSTs, effecting metabolic resistance to S-metolachlor in A. palmeri. Resistance is achieved by elevated baseline expression of these genes and further induction by S-metolachlor in resistant plants.

Interaction of organotin compounds with three major glutathione S-transferases in zebrafish

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) play an important role in cellular detoxification as enzymatic mediators of glutathione (GSH) conjugation with a wide range of deleterious compounds, enabling their easier extrusion out of the organism. GSTs are shown to interact with organotin compounds (OTCs), known environmental pollutants, either as substrates, serving as electrophilic targets to the nucleophilic attack of GSH, or as noncompetitive inhibitors by binding to GST active sites and disrupting their enzymatic functions. There is a wide range of deleterious biological effects caused by OTCs in low concentration range. Their environmental concentrations, further potentiated by bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms, correspond with inhibitory constants reported for Gsts in zebrafish, which implies their environmental significance. Therefore, our main goal in this study was to analyze interactions of three major zebrafish Gsts - Gstp1, Gstr1, and Gstt1a - with a series of ten environmentally relevant organotin compounds. Using previously developed Gst inhibition assay with recombinant Gst proteins and fluorescent monochlorobimane as a model substrate, we determined Gst inhibitory constants for all tested OCTs. Furthermore, in order to elucidate nature of Gst interactions with OTCs, we determined type of interactions between tested Gsts and the strongest OTC inhibitors. Our results showed that OTCs can interact with zebrafish Gsts as competitive, noncompetitive, or mixed-type inhibitors. Determined types of interactions were additionally confirmed in silico by molecular docking studies of tested OTCs with newly developed Gst models. In silico models were further used to reveal structures of tested Gsts in more detail and identify crucial amino acid residues which interact with OTCs within Gst active sites. Our results revealed more extensive involvement of Gstr1 and Gstp1 in detoxification of numerous tested OTCs, with low inhibitory constants in nanomolar to low micromolar range and different types of inhibition, whereas Gstt1a noncompetitively interacted with only two tested OTCs with significantly higher inhibitory constants.

Characterization of glutathione S-transferases in the detoxification of metolachlor in two maize cultivars of differing herbicide tolerance

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) have been widely studied in relation to their role in herbicide tolerance and detoxification. However, a detailed characterization of GSTs from herbicide tolerant and sensitive maize cultivars is still lacking. In this study, we determined the mechanism of differential tolerance between two maize cultivars which had 4-fold difference tolerance to metolachlor. The metabolism rate of metolachlor was more rapid in the tolerant cultivar (Zea mays L. cv Nongda86) than the susceptible one (Zea mays L. cv Zhengda958). Addition of the GST inhibitor ethacrynic acid reduced the metabolism of metolachlor indicating the involvement of GSTs in the differential detoxification of metolachlor. The expression profiles of 32 GST isozymes were measured using quantitative RT-PCR. The results showed the expression of GST genes were slightly up-regulated in Nongda86, but severely inhibited in Zhengdan958 24h after metolachlor treatment. The genes GSTI, GSTIII, GSTIV, GST5, GST6 and GST7, which can detoxify chloroacetanilide herbicides, were all expressed higher in Nongda86 compared to Zhendgan958. The result of GST activity was consistent with the gene expression profiles. Collectively, higher-level expression of GST genes, leading to higher GST activity and faster herbicide detoxification, appears to be responsible for the difference in tolerance to metolachlor in two maize cultivars.

Variable Levels of Glutathione S-Transferases Are Responsible for the Differential Tolerance to Metolachlor between Maize (Zea mays) Shoots and Roots

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) play important roles in herbicide tolerance. However, studies on GST function in herbicide tolerance among plant tissues are still lacking. To explore the mechanism of metolachlor tolerance difference between maize shoots and roots, the effects of metolachlor on growth, GST activity, and the expression of the entire GST gene family were investigated. It was found that this differential tolerance to metolachlor was correlated with contrasting GST activity between the two tissues and can be eliminated by a GST inhibitor. An in vitro metolachlor-glutathione conjugation assay confirmed that the transformation of metolachlor is 2-fold faster in roots than in shoots. The expression analysis of the GST gene family revealed that most GST genes are expressed much higher in roots than shoots, both in control and in metolachlor-treated plants. Taken together, higher level expression of most GST genes, leading to higher GST activity and faster herbicide transformation, appears to be responsible for the higher tolerance to metolachlor of maize roots than shoots.

Italian ryegrass for the phytoremediation of solutions polluted with terbuthylazine

The phytoextraction capacity of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.) to remove terbuthylazine (TBA) from aqueous solution has been assessed using a plant-based biotest (RHIZOtest). Three TBA concentrations (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg L(-1)) were chosen to evaluate the tolerance capacity of the ryegrass. Even though the treatments negatively affected plants, they were able to remove up to 30-40% of TBA. In addition, some enzymatic activities involved in the response to TBA-induced stress were determined. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) has been activated with a TBA-dose dependent trend; ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activities have been induced within the first hours after the treatments, followed by decreases or disappearance in plants exposed to two higher dosages. In conclusion, this case-study highlights that the combination of ryegrass and RHIZOtest resulted to be effective in the remediation of aqueous solutions polluted by TBA.

Multiple roles for plant glutathione transferases in xenobiotic detoxification

Discovered 40 years ago, plant glutathione transferases (GSTs) now have a well-established role in determining herbicide metabolism and selectivity in crops and weeds. Within the GST superfamily, the numerous and plant-specific phi (F) and tau (U) classes are largely responsible for catalyzing glutathione-dependent reactions with xenobiotics, notably conjugation leading to detoxification and, more rarely, bioactivating isomerizations. In total, the crystal structures of 10 plant GSTs have been solved and a highly conserved N-terminal glutathione binding domain and structurally diverse C-terminal hydrophobic domain identified, along with key coordinating residues. Unlike drug-detoxifying mammalian GSTs, plant enzymes utlilize a catalytic serine in place of a tyrosine residue. Both GSTFs and GSTUs undergo changes in structure during catalysis indicative of an induced fit mechanism on substrate binding, with an understanding of plant GST structure/function allowing these proteins to be engineered for novel functions in detoxification and ligand recognition. Several major crops produce alternative thiols, with GSTUs shown to use homoglutathione in preference to glutathione, in herbicide detoxification reactions in soybeans. Similarly, hydroxymethylglutathione is used, in addition to glutathione in detoxifying the herbicide fenoxaprop in wheat. Following GST action, plants are able to rapidly process glutathione conjugates by at least two distinct pathways, with the available evidence suggesting these function in an organ- and species-specific manner. Roles for GSTs in endogenous metabolism are less well defined, with the enzymes linked to a diverse range of functions, including signaling, counteracting oxidative stress, and detoxifying and transporting secondary metabolites.

Glutathione S-transferases in Festuca arundinacea: identification, characterization and inducibility by safener benoxacor

Over recent years it has emerged how certain no crop-species can be employed in phytoremediating contaminated soils or preventing herbicide pollution; in this contest Festuca arundinacea was investigated. Shoots of Festuca were submitted to fast protein liquid chromatography in order to identify their glutathione S-transferases (GST; EC 2.5.1.18), by a combination of anionic, affinity and RP-HPLC chromatography. The chromatographic procedure revealed satisfactory yield and four GSTs were identified: they were named FaGST I, FaGST II, FaGST III and FaGST IV. Among these, significant differences were observed in the chromatographic behaviours, structure, activity toward a "model" substrate, 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene, and responsiveness to the herbicide safener benoxacor. FaGST I showed the highest activity toward the above substrate, and this activity was up-regulated by the herbicide safener. Therefore, FaGST I was purified till homogeneity and was determined to be an heterodimer consisting of two subunits of 28.0 and 27.2kDa. Each subunit of FaGST I was further characterized by means of LC-ESI-MS/MS and immunoblotting analysis, which revealed that both the subunits belong to the tau subclass.

Development of transgenic tobacco plants overexpressing maize glutathione S-transferase I for chloroacetanilide herbicides phytoremediation

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs, EC 2.5.1.18) are a multigene family of detoxification enzymes that biotransform a wide variety of endogenous and exogenous electrophilic substrates, including herbicides. The isozyme GST I from maize exhibits significant catalytic activity for the chloroacetanilide herbicide alachlor and appears to be involved in its detoxifying process. To establish the in planta ability of GST I to detoxify from alachlor, transgenesis studies were carried out. The gene gstI-6His, which encodes for 6His-tagged GST I, was used for the construction of a binary vector suitable for genetic engineering of tobacco plants (Nicotiana tabacum). Through biolistic method transgenic tobacco plants were obtained. Integration of gstI-6His gene in transgenic tobacco plants genome was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction and Southern blot hybridization. The expression of active GST I was established by Western blot analysis, using anti-6His antibody, and by direct purification of 6-His tagged GST I on Ni-NTA agarose. Primary transformed plants harboring the gstI-6His gene were transferred to MS medium supplemented with alachlor and their phenotype was evaluated. The transgenic plants showed substantially higher tolerance to alachlor compared to non-transgenic plants in terms of root, leaves and vigorous development. These transgenic plants are potentially useful biotechnological tools for the development of phytoremediation system for the degradation of herbicide pollutants in agricultural fields.

Kinetic analysis of maize glutathione S-transferase I catalysing the detoxification from chloroacetanilide herbicides

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs, EC 2.5.1.18) are a family of multi-functional enzymes involved in biodegradation of several herbicide classes. The ability of the maize isoenzyme GST I to detoxify from the acetanilide herbicide alachlor was investigated by steady-state kinetics and site-directed mutagenesis studies. Steady-state kinetics fit well to a rapid equilibrium random sequential bi-bi mechanism with intrasubunit modulation between GSH binding site (G-site) and electrophile binding site (H-site). The rate-limiting step of the reaction is viscosity-dependent and thermodynamic data suggest that product release is rate-limiting. Three residues of GST I (Trp12, Phe35 and Ile118), which build up the xenobiotic binding site, were mutated and their functional and structural roles during alachlor conjugation were investigated. These residues are not conserved, hence may affect substrate specificity and/or product dissociation. The work showed that the key amino acid residue Phe35 modulates xenobiotic substrate binding and specificity, and participates in k(cat) regulation by affecting the rate-limiting step of the catalytic reaction. Trp12 and Ile118 do not seem to carry out such functions but instead, regulate the K(m) for alachlor by contributing to its productive orientation in the H-site. The results of the present work have practical significance since this may provide the basis for the rational design of new engineered GSTs with altered substrate specificity towards herbicides and may facilitate the design of new, more selective herbicides.

Organisation and structural evolution of the rice glutathione S-transferase gene family

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) comprise a large family of key defence enzymes against xenobiotic toxicity. Here we describe the comprehensive characterisation of this important multigene family in the model monocot species rice [ Oryza sativa(L.)]. Furthermore, we investigate the molecular evolution of the family based on the analysis of (1) the patterns of within-genome duplication, and (2) the phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary divergence among rice, Arabidopsis, maize and soybean GSTs. By in-silico screening of the EST and genome divisions of the Genbank/EMBL/DDBJ database we have isolated 59 putative genes and two pseudogenes, making this the largest plant GST family characterised to date. Of these, 38 (62%) are represented by genomic and EST sequences and 23 (38%) are known only from their genomic sequences. A preliminary survey of EST collections shows a large degree of variability in gene expression between different tissues and environmental conditions, with a small number of genes (13) accounting for 80% of all ESTs. Rice GSTs are organised in four main phylogenetic classes, with 91% of all rice genes belonging to the two plant-specific classes Tau (40 genes) and Phi (16 genes). Pairwise identity scores range between 17 and 98% for proteins of the same class, and 7 and 21% for interclass comparisons. Rapid evolution by gene duplication is suggested by the discovery of two large clusters of 7 and 23 closely related genes on chromosomes 1 and 10, respectively. A comparison of the complete GST families in two monocot and two dicot species suggests a monophyletic origin for all Theta and Zeta GSTs, and no more than three common ancestors for all Phi and Tau genes.

Organisation and structural evolution of the rice glutathione S-transferase gene family

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) comprise a large family of key defence enzymes against xenobiotic toxicity. Here we describe the comprehensive characterisation of this important multigene family in the model monocot species rice [ Oryza sativa(L.)]. Furthermore, we investigate the molecular evolution of the family based on the analysis of (1) the patterns of within-genome duplication, and (2) the phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary divergence among rice, Arabidopsis, maize and soybean GSTs. By in-silico screening of the EST and genome divisions of the Genbank/EMBL/DDBJ database we have isolated 59 putative genes and two pseudogenes, making this the largest plant GST family characterised to date. Of these, 38 (62%) are represented by genomic and EST sequences and 23 (38%) are known only from their genomic sequences. A preliminary survey of EST collections shows a large degree of variability in gene expression between different tissues and environmental conditions, with a small number of genes (13) accounting for 80% of all ESTs. Rice GSTs are organised in four main phylogenetic classes, with 91% of all rice genes belonging to the two plant-specific classes Tau (40 genes) and Phi (16 genes). Pairwise identity scores range between 17 and 98% for proteins of the same class, and 7 and 21% for interclass comparisons. Rapid evolution by gene duplication is suggested by the discovery of two large clusters of 7 and 23 closely related genes on chromosomes 1 and 10, respectively. A comparison of the complete GST families in two monocot and two dicot species suggests a monophyletic origin for all Theta and Zeta GSTs, and no more than three common ancestors for all Phi and Tau genes.

Overexpression of enzymes involved in glutathione synthesis enhances tolerance to organic pollutants in Brassica juncea

Transgenic Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) overexpressing y-glutamylcysteine synthetase (ECS) or glutathione synthetase (GS) were shown previously to have two-fold higher levels of glutathione and total nonprotein thiols, as well as enhanced cadmium tolerance and accumulation. Here, the hypothesis was tested that these transgenics have enhanced tolerance to organic pollutants, based on the reasoning that many organic xenobiotics are detoxified via conjugation to glutathione. Both the ECS and GS transgenics showed enhanced tolerance to atrazine: while root growth of wildtype seedlings was inhibited 50% by 100 mg L(-1) atrazine, ECS and GS root growth was inhibited 20-30% (P < 0.05). The tolerance of the transgenics to CDNB (1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene). metolachlor, and phenanthrene was also somewhat higher than wild type, but these differences were not as pronounced. Each of the organics treatments significantly enhanced total nonprotein thiol levels in all plant types (2 to 12-fold). Overall, these results suggest that GSH biosynthesis is limiting for atrazine detoxification in Indian mustard and that overexpression of enzymes involved in GSH biosynthesis offers a promising approach to create plants with the enhanced capacity to tolerate not only heavy metals, but also certain organics.

Nutrient level, microbial activity, and alachlor transformation in aerobic aquatic systems

Alachlor (2-chloro-N-(2,6-diethylphenyl)-N-(methoxymethyl)acetamide) is a moderately toxic herbicide that is frequently found in agriculturally impacted surface waters. To assess primary mechanism(s) that affect its fate in aquatic systems, two field experiments were performed using large mesocosms (n=39) and smaller microcosms with and without microbial inhibitors (n=16). The mesocosm experiment tested the effect of fertility conditions on alachlor fate, assessing alachlor disappearance over time under oligotrophic (total phosphorus (TP) <12 microg/L) through hypereutrophic (TP>80 microg/L) water conditions. Whereas, the microcosm experiment assessed alachlor fate in the presence of microbial inhibitors that selectively blocked eubacterial (chloroamphenicol, streptomycin, and penicillin combined), eukaryotic (cycloheximide), and universal (all inhibitors) microbial activity. First-order alachlor transformation rate coefficients ranged from 0.006 to 0.042 day(-1) when microbial inhibitors were not present (half-lives from 16 to 122 days) with the highest rates occurring in hypereutrophic waters. Statistics indicated that mean TP, and universal and eubacterial small sub-unit rRNA level most closely correlated with transformation rate. Further, the inhibitor study indicated that alachlor transformation was biotic (>90%), but that high transformation rates only occurred when eubacterial and eukaryotic domains were both metabolically active. Our results confirm that alachlor transformation is primarily biotic; however, efficient biotransformation only occurs when both major microbial domains in aerobic systems are active.

Dechlorination of chloroacetanilide herbicides by thiosulfate salts

Halogenated organic compounds (XOCs) are among the most widely used synthetic chemicals. Many XOCs are recalcitrant to natural degradation and have become prominent environmental contaminants. One group of such XOCs are the heavily used chloroacetanilide herbicides. We have found that chloroacetanilide herbicides are rapidly dechlorinated in water, sand, and soil by thiosulfate salts under ambient conditions. Structural and kinetics analysis suggests that the reaction occurred by S(N)2 nucleophilic substitution, in which the chlorine was replaced by thiosulfate and the herbicide was detoxified. Laboratory studies showed that this reaction could be used for removing residues of chloroacetanilide herbicides in water, soil, and sand. Our findings also suggest that some other XOCs may be subject to this reaction. Because common thiosulfate salts are innocuous products (e.g., fertilizers) and the reaction selectively detoxifies XOCs at low thiosulfate levels, this discovery may lead to a new way for safe removal of certain XOCs from the environment.

Exploiting plant metabolism for the phytoremediation of persistent herbicides

Weed control by herbicides has helped us to create the green revolution and to provide food for at least the majority of human beings living today. However, some herbicides remain in the environment and pose an ecological problem. The present review describes the properties and fate of four representative herbicides known to be presistent in ecosystems. Metabolic networks are depicted and it is concluded that removal of these compounds by the ecologically friendly technique of phytoremediation is possible. The largest problem is seen in the uptake of the compounds into suitable plants and the time needed for such an approach.

Plant glutathione S-transferases: enzymes with multiple functions in sickness and in health

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are abundant proteins encoded by a highly divergent, ancient gene family. Soluble GSTs form dimers, each subunit of which contains active sites that bind glutathione and hydrophobic ligands. Plant GSTs attach glutathione to electrophilic xenobiotics, which tags them for vacuolar sequestration. The role of GSTs in metabolism is unclear, although their complex regulation by environmental stimuli implies that they have important protective functions. Recent studies show that GSTs catalyse glutathione-depend-ent isomerizations and the reduction of toxic organic hydroperoxides. GSTs might also have non-catalytic roles as carriers for phytochemicals.

Structures of herbicides in complex with their detoxifying enzyme glutathione S-transferase - explanations for the selectivity of the enzyme in plants

BACKGROUND

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are detoxifying enzymes present in all aerobic organisms. These enzymes catalyse the conjugation of glutathione with a variety of electrophilic compounds. In plants, GSTs catalyse the first step in the degradation of several herbicides, such as triazines and acetamides, thus playing an important role in herbicide tolerance.

RESULTS

We have solved the structures of GST-I from maize in complex with an atrazine-glutathione conjugate (at 2.8 A resolution) and GST from Arabidopsis thaliana (araGST) in complex with an FOE-4053-glutathione conjugate (at 2.6 A resolution). These ligands are products of the detoxifying reaction and are well defined in the electron density. The herbicide-binding site (H site) is different in the two structures. The architecture of the glutathione-binding site (G site) of araGST is different to that of the previously described structure of GST in complex with two S-hexylglutathione molecules, but is homologous to that of GST-I.

CONCLUSIONS

Three features are responsible for the differences in the H site of the two GSTs described here: the exchange of hydrophobic residues of different degrees of bulkiness; a slight difference in the location of the H site; and a difference in the degree of flexibility of the upper side of the H site, which is built up by the loop between helices alpha4 and alpha5. Taking these two structures as a model, the different substrate specificities of other plant GSTs may be explained. The structures reported here provide a basis for the design of new, more selective herbicides.

Glutathione-mediated detoxification systems in plants

Recent work has highlighted the presence of diverse glutathione-dependent enzymes in plants with potential roles in the detoxification of both xenobiotic and endogenous compounds. In particular, studies on glutathione transferases are further characterising their role in xenobiotic metabolism, and also raising intriguing possible roles in endogenous metabolism. The solution of their three-dimensional structures together with studies on their molecular diversity and substrate specificity is providing new insights into the function and classification of these enigmatic enzymes.

Biodegradation of the acetanilide herbicides alachlor, metolachlor, and propachlor

Alachlor, metolachlor, and propachlor are detoxified in biological systems by the formation of glutathione-acetanilide conjugates. This conjugation is mediated by glutathione-S-transferase, which is present in microorganisms, plants, and mammals. Other organic sulfides and inorganic sulfide also react through a nucleophilic attack on the 2-chloro group of acetanilide herbicides, but the products are only partially characterized. Sorption in soils and sediments is an important factor controlling the migration and bioavailability of these herbicides, while microbial degradation is the most important factor in determining their overall fate in the environment. The biodegradation of alachlor and metolachlor is proposed to be only partial and primarily cometabolic, and the ring cleavage seems to be slow or insignificant. Propachlor biodegradation has been reported to proceed to substantial (> 50%) mineralization of the ring structure. Reductive dechlorination may be one of the initial breakdown mechanisms under anaerobic conditions. Aerobic and anaerobic transformation products vary in their polarity and therefore in soil binding coefficient. A catabolic pathway for chloroacetanilide herbicides has not been presented in the literature because of the lack of mineralization data under defined cultural conditions.

Purification, regulation and cloning of a glutathione transferase (GST) from maize resembling the auxin-inducible type-III GSTs

The glutathione transferases (GSTs) from maize (Zea mays L.) with activities toward the chloroacetanilide herbicide metolachlor and the diphenyl ether herbicide fluorodifen were fractionated into two pools based on binding to affinity columns. Pool 1 GSTs were retained on Orange A agarose and were identified as isoenzymes Zea mays (Zm) GST I-I, Zm GST I-II and Zm GST I-III, which have been described previously. Pool 2 GSTs selectively bound to S-hexyl-glutathione-Sepharose and were distinct from the pool 1 GSTs, being composed of a homodimer of 28.5 kDa subunits, termed Zm GST V-V, and a heterodimer of the 28.5 kDa polypeptide and a 27.5 kDa subunit, termed Zm GST V-VI. Using an antibody raised to Zm GST V-VI, a cDNA expression library was screened and a Zm GST V clone identified showing sequence similarity to the type-III auxin-inducible GSTs previously identified in tobacco and other dicotyledenous species. Recombinant Zm GST V-V showed high GST activity towards the diphenyl ether herbicide fluorodifen, detoxified toxic alkenal derivatives and reduced organic hydroperoxides. Antibodies raised to Zm GST I-II and Zm GST V-VI were used to monitor the expression of GST subunits in maize seedlings. Over a 24 h period the Zm GST I subunit was unresponsive to chemical treatment, while expression of Zm GST II was enhanced by auxins, herbicides, the herbicide safener dichlormid and glutathione. The Zm GST V subunit was more selective in its induction, only accumulating significantly in response to dichlormid treatment. During development Zm GST I and Zm GST V were expressed more in roots than in shoots, with Zm GST II expression limited to the roots.