Knockout and transgenic mice in glutathione transferase research

Critical Roles of the Cysteine-Glutathione Axis in the Production of γ-Glutamyl Peptides in the Nervous System

γ-Glutamyl moiety that is attached to the cysteine (Cys) residue in glutathione (GSH) protects it from peptidase-mediated degradation. The sulfhydryl group of the Cys residue represents most of the functions of GSH, which include electron donation to peroxidases, protection of reactive sulfhydryl in proteins via glutaredoxin, and glutathione conjugation of xenobiotics, whereas Cys-derived sulfur is also a pivotal component of some redox-responsive molecules. The amount of Cys that is available tends to restrict the capacity of GSH synthesis. In in vitro systems, cystine is the major form in the extracellular milieu, and a specific cystine transporter, xCT, is essential for survival in most lines of cells and in many primary cultivated cells as well. A reduction in the supply of Cys causes GPX4 to be inhibited due to insufficient GSH synthesis, which leads to iron-dependent necrotic cell death, ferroptosis. Cells generally cannot take up GSH without the removal of γ-glutamyl moiety by γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) on the cell surface. Meanwhile, the Cys-GSH axis is essentially common to certain types of cells; primarily, neuronal cells that contain a unique metabolic system for intercellular communication concerning γ-glutamyl peptides. After a general description of metabolic processes concerning the Cys-GSH axis, we provide an overview and discuss the significance of GSH-related compounds in the nervous system.

Improving reactivity of naphthalimide-based GST probe by imparting TPP cation: Development and application for live cell imaging

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are a superfamily of multifunctional enzymes comprising multiple classes and subtypes. This paper describes the synthesis and characterization of TPPBN-1, a naphthalimide derivative conjugated with a triphenylphosphonium (TPP) cation. When 4-bromonaphthalimide (BrNaph), a previously characterized GST substrate, was conjugated to a TPP cation, the conjugate showed increased reactivity towards most alpha- and mu-class GSTs, particularly the GSTA2 subtype, compared to the parent compound, but hardly towards Pi-class GSTs. Using this probe with enhanced reactivity, the enzymatic activity of endogenous GSTA1/2 in HepG2 cells was visualized by confocal fluorescence microscopy. The results demonstrated that modification with TPP cations, which are often used as tags for targeting mitochondria, can be used to enhance the reactivity of probes for specific GST subtypes.

Gstm1/Gstt1 is essential for reducing cisplatin ototoxicity in CBA/CaJ mice

Cisplatin is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent. However, its clinical utility is limited because of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) was found to play a vital role in reducing cisplatin ototoxicity in mice. Deletion polymorphisms of GSTM1 and GSTT1, members of the GST family, are common in humans and are presumed to be associated with cisplatin-induced hearing impairment. However, the specific roles of GSTM1 and GSTT1 in cisplatin ototoxicity are not completely clear. Here, under cisplatin treatment, simultaneous deletion of Gstm1 and Gstt1 lead to a more profound hearing loss in CBA/CaJ mice (Gstm1/Gstt1-DKO) than in wild-type mice. The Gstm1/Gstt1-DKO mice, in which phase II detoxification genes were upregulated, exhibited more severe oxidative stress and higher outer hair cell apoptosis in the cochleae than the control mice. Thus, our study revealed that Gstm1 and Gstt1 protect auditory hair cells from cisplatin-induced ototoxicity in the CBA/CaJ mice, and genetic screening for GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms could help determine a standard cisplatin dose for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Glutathione S-Transferase P Influences Redox Homeostasis and Response to Drugs that Induce the Unfolded Protein Response in Zebrafish

We have created a novel glutathione S-transferase π1 (gstp1) knockout (KO) zebrafish model and used it for comparative analyses of redox homeostasis and response to drugs that cause endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and induce the unfolded protein response (UPR). Under basal conditions, gstp1 KO larvae had higher expression of antioxidant nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) accompanied by a more reduced larval environment and a status consistent with reductive stress. Compared with wild type, various UPR markers were decreased in KO larvae, but treatment with drugs that induce ER stress caused greater toxicities and increased expression of Nrf2 and UPR markers in KO. Tunicamycin and 0²-{2,4-dinitro-5-[4-(N-methylamino)benzoyloxy]phenyl}1-(N,N-dimethylamino)diazen-1-ium-1,2-diolate (PABA/nitric oxide) activated inositol-requiring protein-1/X-box binding protein 1 pathways, whereas thapsigargin caused greater activation of protein kinase-like ER kinase/activating transcription factor 4/CHOP pathways. These results suggest that this teleost model is useful for predicting how GSTP regulates organismal management of oxidative/reductive stress and is a determinant of response to drug-induced ER stress and the UPR. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: A new zebrafish model has been created to study the importance of glutathione S-transferase π1 in development, redox homeostasis, and response to drugs that enact cytotoxicity through endoplasmic reticulum stress and induction of the unfolded protein response.

Hematopoietic Stem Cell Metabolism during Development and Aging

Cellular metabolism in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) is an area of intense research interest, but the metabolic requirements of HSCs and their adaptations to their niches during development have remained largely unaddressed. Distinctive from other tissue stem cells, HSCs transition through multiple hematopoietic sites during development. This transition requires drastic metabolic shifts, insinuating the capacity of HSCs to meet the physiological demand of hematopoiesis. In this review, we highlight how mitochondrial metabolism determines HSC fate, and especially focus on the links between mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and lysosomes in HSC metabolism.

Cochlear detoxification: Role of alpha class glutathione transferases in protection against oxidative lipid damage, ototoxicity, and cochlear aging

Age-related hearing loss (AHL) is the most common form of hearing impairment. AHL is thought to be a multifactorial condition resulting from the interaction of numerous causes including aging, genetics, exposure to noise, and exposure to endogenous and exogenous toxins. Cells possess many detoxification enzymes capable of removing thousands of cytotoxic xenobiotics and endogenous toxins such as 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), one of the most abundant cytotoxic end products of lipid peroxidation. The cellular detoxification system involves three phases of enzymatic detoxification. Of these, the glutathione transferase (GST) detoxification system converts a toxic compound into a less toxic form by conjugating the toxic compound to reduced glutathione by GST enzymes. In this review, we describe the current understanding of the cochlear detoxification system and examine the growing link between GST detoxification, oxidative lipid damage, ototoxicity, and cochlear aging with a particular focus on the alpha-class GSTs (GSTAs). We also describe how exposure to ototoxic drugs, exposure to noise, or aging results in increased 4-HNE levels, how 4-HNE damages various cell components under stress conditions, and how GSTAs detoxify 4-HNE in the auditory system.

Effects of Gsta4 deficiency on age-related cochlear pathology and hearing loss in mice

The glutathione transferase (GST) detoxification system converts exogenous and endogenous toxins into a less toxic form by conjugating the toxic compound to reduced glutathione (GSH) by a variety of GST enzymes. Of the ~20 GST isoforms, GSTA4 exhibits high catalytic efficiency toward 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), one of the most abundant end products of lipid peroxidation that contributes to neurodegenerative diseases and age-related disorders. Conjugation to GSH by GSTA4 is thought to be a major route of 4-HNE elimination. In the current study, we investigated the effects of Gsta4 deficiency on age-related cochlear pathology and hearing loss using young (3-5 months old) and old (24-25 months old) Gsta4^+/+ and Gsta4^-/- mice that were backcrossed onto the CBA/CaJ mouse strain, a well-established model of age-related hearing loss (AHL). At 3-5 months of age, loss of Gsta4 resulted in decreased total GSTA activity toward 4-HNE in the inner ears of young mice. However, there were no differences in the levels of 4-HNE in the inner ears between Gsta4^+/+ and Gsta4^-/- mice at 3-5 or 24-25 months of age. No histological abnormalities were observed in the cochlea and no hearing impairments were observed in young Gsta4^-/- mice. At 24-25 months of age, both Gsta4^+/+ and Gsta4^-/- mice showed elevated ABR thresholds compared to 3-month-old mice, but there were no differences in ABR thresholds, cochlear spiral ganglion neuron densities, or stria vascularis thickness between Gsta4^+/+ and Gsta4^-/- mice. Together, these results suggest that under normal physiological conditions or during normal aging, GSTA4 is not essential for removal of 4-HNE in mouse inner ears.

Beyond detoxification: Pleiotropic functions of multiple glutathione S-transferase isoforms protect mice against a toxic electrophile

Environmental and endogenous electrophiles cause tissue damage through their high reactivity with endogenous nucleophiles such as DNA, proteins, and lipids. Protection against damage is mediated by glutathione (GSH) conjugation, which can occur spontaneously or be facilitated by the glutathione S-transferase (GST) enzymes. To determine the role of GST enzymes in protection against electrophiles as well as the role of specific GST families in mediating this protection, we exposed mutant mouse lines lacking the GSTP, GSTM, and/or GSTT enzyme families to the model electrophile acrylamide, a ubiquitous dietary contaminant known to cause adverse effects in humans. An analysis of urinary metabolites after acute acrylamide exposure identified the GSTM family as the primary mediator of GSH conjugation to acrylamide. However, surprisingly, mice lacking only this enzyme family did not show increased toxicity after an acute acrylamide exposure. Therefore, GSH conjugation is not the sole mechanism by which GSTs protect against the toxicity of this substrate. Given the prevalence of null GST polymorphisms in the human population (approximately 50% for GSTM1 and 20–50% for GSTT1), a substantial portion of the population may also have impaired acrylamide metabolism. However, our study also defines a role for GSTP and/or GSTT in protection against acrylamide mediated toxicity. Thus, while the canonical detoxification function of GSTs may be impaired in GSTM null individuals, disease risk secondary to acrylamide exposure may be mitigated through non-canonical pathways involving members of the GSTP and/or GSTT families.

C. elegans protein interaction network analysis probes RNAi validated pro-longevity effect of nhr-6, a human homolog of tumor suppressor Nr4a1

Protein-protein interaction (PPI) studies are gaining momentum these days due to the plethora of various high-throughput experimental methods available for detecting PPIs. Proteins create complexes and networks by functioning in harmony with other proteins and here in silico network biology hold the promise to reveal new functionality of genes as it is very difficult and laborious to carry out experimental high-throughput genetic screens in living organisms. We demonstrate this approach by computationally screening C. elegans conserved homologs of already reported human tumor suppressor and aging associated genes. We select by this nhr-6, vab-3 and gst-23 as predicted longevity genes for RNAi screen. The RNAi results demonstrated the pro-longevity effect of these genes. Nuclear hormone receptor nhr-6 RNAi inhibition resulted in a C. elegans phenotype of 23.46% lifespan reduction. Moreover, we show that nhr-6 regulates oxidative stress resistance in worms and does not affect the feeding behavior of worms. These findings imply the potential of nhr-6 as a common therapeutic target for aging and cancer ailments, stressing the power of in silico PPI network analysis coupled with RNAi screens to describe gene function.

GSTA4 mediates reduction of cisplatin ototoxicity in female mice

Cisplatin is one of the most widely used chemotherapeutic drugs for the treatment of cancer. Unfortunately, one of its major side effects is permanent hearing loss. Here, we show that glutathione transferase α4 (GSTA4), a member of the Phase II detoxifying enzyme superfamily, mediates reduction of cisplatin ototoxicity by removing 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) in the inner ears of female mice. Under cisplatin treatment, loss of Gsta4 results in more profound hearing loss in female mice compared to male mice. Cisplatin stimulates GSTA4 activity in the inner ear of female wild-type, but not male wild-type mice. In female Gsta4^−/− mice, cisplatin treatment results in increased levels of 4-HNE in cochlear neurons compared to male Gsta4^−/− mice. In CBA/CaJ mice, ovariectomy decreases mRNA expression of Gsta4, and the levels of GSTA4 protein in the inner ears. Thus, our findings suggest that GSTA4-dependent detoxification may play a role in estrogen-mediated neuroprotection.

A common complication of cisplatin-based chemotherapy is hearing loss. Here, Park et al. show that glutathione transferase α4 (GSTA4) contributes to reducing cisplatin toxicity in the inner ear of female mice by removing 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE).

MGST1, a GSH transferase/peroxidase essential for development and hematopoietic stem cell differentiation

We show for the first time that, in contrast to other glutathione transferases and peroxidases, deletion of microsomal glutathione transferase 1 (MGST1) in mice is embryonic lethal. To elucidate why, we used zebrafish development as a model system and found that knockdown of MGST1 produced impaired hematopoiesis. We show that MGST1 is expressed early during zebrafish development and plays an important role in hematopoiesis. High expression of MGST1 was detected in regions of active hematopoiesis and co-expressed with markers for hematopoietic stem cells. Further, morpholino-mediated knock-down of MGST1 led to a significant reduction of differentiated hematopoietic cells both from the myeloid and the lymphoid lineages. In fact, hemoglobin was virtually absent in the knock-down fish as revealed by diaminofluorene staining. The impact of MGST1 on hematopoiesis was also shown in hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPC) isolated from mice, where it was expressed at high levels. Upon promoting HSPC differentiation, lentiviral shRNA MGST1 knockdown significantly reduced differentiated, dedicated cells of the hematopoietic system. Further, MGST1 knockdown resulted in a significant lowering of mitochondrial metabolism and an induction of glycolytic enzymes, energetic states closely coupled to HSPC dynamics. Thus, the non-selenium, glutathione dependent redox regulatory enzyme MGST1 is crucial for embryonic development and for hematopoiesis in vertebrates.

Glutathione S-Transferase P-Mediated Protein S-Glutathionylation of Resident Endoplasmic Reticulum Proteins Influences Sensitivity to Drug-Induced Unfolded Protein Response

AIMS

S-glutathionylation of cysteine residues, catalyzed by glutathione S-transferase Pi (GSTP), alters structure/function characteristics of certain targeted proteins. Our goal is to characterize how S-glutathionylation of proteins within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) impact cell sensitivity to ER-stress inducing drugs.

RESULTS

We identify GSTP to be an ER-resident protein where it demonstrates both chaperone and catalytic functions. Redox based proteomic analyses identified a cluster of proteins cooperatively involved in the regulation of ER stress (immunoglobulin heavy chain-binding protein [BiP], protein disulfide isomerase [PDI], calnexin, calreticulin, endoplasmin, sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺-ATPase [SERCA]) that individually co-immunoprecipitated with GSTP (implying protein complex formation) and were subject to reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced S-glutathionylation. S-glutathionylation of each of these six proteins was attenuated in cells (liver, embryo fibroblasts or bone marrow dendritic) from mice lacking GSTP (Gstp1/p2^-/-) compared to wild type (Gstp1/p2^+/+). Moreover, Gstp1/p2^-/- cells were significantly more sensitive to the cytotoxic effects of the ER-stress inducing drugs, thapsigargin (7-fold) and tunicamycin (2-fold).

INNOVATION

Within the family of GST isozymes, GSTP has been ascribed the broadest range of catalytic and chaperone functions. Now, for the first time, we identify it as an ER resident protein that catalyzes S-glutathionylation of critical ER proteins within this organelle. Of note, this can provide a nexus for linkage of redox based signaling and pathways that regulate the unfolded protein response (UPR). This has novel importance in determining how some drugs kill cancer cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Contextually, these results provide mechanistic evidence that GSTP can exert redox regulation in the oxidative ER environment and indicate that, within the ER, GSTP influences the cellular consequences of the UPR through S-glutathionylation of a series of key interrelated proteins. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 26, 247-261.

Role of Glutathione-S-transferases in neurological problems

INTRODUCTION

Role of Glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs) has been well explored in the cellular detoxification process, regulation of redox homeostasis and S-glutothionylation of target proteins like JNK, ASK1 etc. However, altered levels or functions of this enzyme or their subtypes have emerged in the development of several pathologies diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, cancer and related conditions. Oxidative stress is one of the possible pathological events that contributes significantly to activation of degenerating cascades inside neuronal cells. The central nervous system is highly sensitive to oxidative stress because of low levels or capacities of antioxidant enzymes. The brain is highly metabolic in nature making it susceptible to oxidative stress. Areas covered: The present review provides a comprehensive overview of the multiple connections of GSTs within diverse neurological diseases including cancer. Furthermore, the authors have made significant efforts to discuss the regulation of different GST isoforms that have been associated with various pathological processes such as glioblastoma, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, stroke and epilepsy. Expert opinion: Though GSTs have been one of the key areas of scientific research over the last few decades, much remains to be elucidated about their physiological functions as well as pathological involvement of GSTs and their polymorphic variants.

Attenuation of lung fibrosis in mice with a clinically relevant inhibitor of glutathione-S-transferase π

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a debilitating lung disease characterized by excessive collagen production and fibrogenesis. Apoptosis in lung epithelial cells is critical in IPF pathogenesis, as heightened loss of these cells promotes fibroblast activation and remodeling. Changes in glutathione redox status have been reported in IPF patients. S-glutathionylation, the conjugation of glutathione to reactive cysteines, is catalyzed in part by glutathione-S-transferase π (GSTP). To date, no published information exists linking GSTP and IPF to our knowledge. We hypothesized that GSTP mediates lung fibrogenesis in part through FAS S-glutathionylation, a critical event in epithelial cell apoptosis. Our results demonstrate that GSTP immunoreactivity is increased in the lungs of IPF patients, notably within type II epithelial cells. The FAS-GSTP interaction was also increased in IPF lungs. Bleomycin- and AdTGFβ-induced increases in collagen content, α-SMA, FAS S-glutathionylation, and total protein S-glutathionylation were strongly attenuated in Gstp-/- mice. Oropharyngeal administration of the GSTP inhibitor, TLK117, at a time when fibrosis was already apparent, attenuated bleomycin- and AdTGFβ-induced remodeling, α-SMA, caspase activation, FAS S-glutathionylation, and total protein S-glutathionylation. GSTP is an important driver of protein S-glutathionylation and lung fibrosis, and GSTP inhibition via the airways may be a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of IPF.

Transgenic mice and metabolomics for study of hepatic xenobiotic metabolism and toxicity

INTRODUCTION

The study of xenobiotic metabolism and toxicity has been greatly aided by the use of genetically modified mouse models and metabolomics.

AREAS COVERED

Gene knockout mice can be used to determine the enzymes responsible for the metabolism of xenobiotics in vivo and to examine the mechanisms of xenobiotic-induced toxicity. Humanized mouse models are especially important because there exist marked species differences in the xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes and the nuclear receptors that regulate these enzymes. Humanized mice expressing CYPs and nuclear receptors including the pregnane X receptor, the major regulator of xenobiotic metabolism and transport were produced. With genetically modified mouse models, metabolomics can determine the metabolic map of many xenobiotics with a level of sensitivity that allows the discovery of even minor metabolites. This technology can be used for determining the mechanism of xenobiotic toxicity and to find early biomarkers for toxicity.

EXPERT OPINION

Metabolomics and genetically modified mouse models can be used for the study of xenobiotic metabolism and toxicity by: i) comparison of the metabolomics profiles between wild-type and genetically modified mice, and searching for genotype-dependent endogenous metabolites; ii) searching for and elucidating metabolites derived from xenobiotics; and iii) discovery of specific alterations of endogenous compounds induced by xenobiotics-induced toxicity.

Glutathione S-transferase and MRP1 form an integrated system involved in the storage and transport of dinitrosyl-dithiolato iron complexes in cells

Nitrogen monoxide (NO) is vital for many essential biological processes as a messenger and effector molecule. The physiological importance of NO is the result of its high affinity for iron in the active sites of proteins such as guanylate cyclase. Indeed, NO possesses a rich coordination chemistry with iron and the formation of dinitrosyl-dithiolato iron complexes (DNICs) is well documented. In mammals, NO generated by cytotoxic activated macrophages has been reported to play a role as a cytotoxic effector against tumor cells by binding and releasing intracellular iron. Studies from our laboratory have shown that two proteins traditionally involved in drug resistance, namely multidrug-resistance protein 1 and glutathione S-transferase, play critical roles in intracellular NO transport and storage through their interaction with DNICs (R.N. Watts et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 103:7670-7675, 2006; H. Lok et al., J. Biol. Chem. 287:607-618, 2012). Notably, DNICs are present at high concentrations in cells and are biologically available. These complexes have a markedly longer half-life than free NO, making them an ideal "common currency" for this messenger molecule. Considering the many critical roles NO plays in health and disease, a better understanding of its intracellular trafficking mechanisms will be vital for the development of new therapeutics.

In vivo regulation of human glutathione transferase GSTP by chemopreventive agents

Relatively little progress has been made in determining the in vivo regulation of glutathione S-transferase P (GSTP), particularly the human enzyme hGSTP1, despite being identified as a significant factor in carcinogenesis and development of drug resistance in tumor cell lines. Here, we report the characterization of a transgenic reporter mouse that reveals how hGSTP1 is regulated in vivo by chemopreventive agents. Basal expression was found in crypts and villi of the small and large intestine, bronchiolar epithelial cells, the epidermis and hair follicles, gall bladder epithelium, choroid plexus, and biliary epithelium. Expression was induced in different tissues by the antioxidant chemopreventive agents ethoxyquin and butylated hydroxyanisole. However, genetic deletion of the Nrf2 transcription factor, which directs central genetic programs of detoxification and protection against oxidative stress, increased rather than attenuated GSTP1 expression. In vitro investigations with mouse embryonic fibroblasts revealed factors, in addition to Nrf2, that control the expression of GSTP1, offering further insights into regulation. The new reporter mouse described here provides a useful tool to gain deeper insights into the mechanisms of action of chemopreventive compounds and other environmental agents.

Microdeletion 11q13.1.q13.2 in a patient presenting with developmental delay, facial dysmorphism, and esophageal atresia: possible role of the GSTP1 gene in esophagus malformation

BACKGROUND

Esophageal atresia is a major congenital malformation characterized by a complete interruption of the esophageal continuity. It is frequently observed in associations and syndromes. As an isolated finding, it has a multifactorial etiology whose genetic factors are poorly known. Recently, the GST family, especially the GSTM1 null genotype (but not the GSTP1 polymorphism I105V), has been associated with esophageal atresia. These enzymes play a role in phase II detoxification of xenobiotics. Here we present the clinical and molecular findings observed in a patient suggesting that the loss of the GSTP1 allele might predispose to this malformation.

CASE

We describe a patient presenting with esophageal atresia associated with developmental delay and facial dysmorphism, whose mother used tobacco and alcohol during the first 2 months of her pregnancy. Microdeletion/microduplication analysis was performed using comparative genomic hybridization and a 180K Agilent array. It detected a de novo 2 Mb chromosome 11q13.1.q13.2 deletion.

CONCLUSION

The deleted chromosomal segment includes the GSTP1 gene. We hypothesize that the deletion of one GSTP1 allele (an isoform highly expressed in embryonic tissues), associated with specific environmental factors, such as tobacco and alcohol, could cause the esophageal atresia observed in our patient.

RNA-sequencing quantification of hepatic ontogeny and tissue distribution of mRNAs of phase II enzymes in mice

Phase II conjugating enzymes play key roles in the metabolism of xenobiotics. In the present study, RNA sequencing was used to elucidate hepatic ontogeny and tissue distribution of mRNA expression of all major known Phase II enzymes, including enzymes involved in glucuronidation, sulfation, glutathione conjugation, acetylation, methylation, and amino acid conjugation, as well as enzymes for the synthesis of Phase II cosubstrates, in male C57BL/6J mice. Livers from male C57BL/6J mice were collected at 12 ages from prenatal to adulthood. Many of these Phase II enzymes were expressed at much higher levels in adult livers than in perinatal livers, such as Ugt1a6b, -2a3, -2b1, -2b5, -2b36, -3a1, and -3a2; Gsta1, -m1, -p1, -p2, and -z1; mGst1; Nat8; Comt; Nnmt; Baat; Ugdh; and Gclc. In contrast, hepatic mRNA expression of a few Phase II enzymes decreased during postnatal liver development, such as mGst2, mGst3, Gclm, and Mat2a. Hepatic expression of certain Phase II enzymes peaked during the adolescent stage, such as Ugt1a1, Sult1a1, Sult1c2, Sult1d1, Sult2as, Sult5a1, Tpmt, Glyat, Ugp2, and Mat1a. In adult mice, the total transcripts for Phase II enzymes were comparable in liver, kidney, and small intestine; however, individual Phase II enzymes displayed marked tissue specificity among the three organs. In conclusion, this study unveils for the first time developmental changes in mRNA abundance of all major known Phase II enzymes in mouse liver, as well as their tissue-specific expression in key drug-metabolizing organs. The age- and tissue-specific expression of Phase II enzymes indicate that the detoxification of xenobiotics is highly regulated by age and cell type.

Glutathione transferases, regulators of cellular metabolism and physiology

BACKGROUND

The cytosolic glutathione transferases (GSTs) comprise a super family of proteins that can be categorized into multiple classes with a mixture of highly specific and overlapping functions.

SCOPE OF REVIEW

The review covers the genetics, structure and function of the human cytosolic GSTs with particular attention to their emerging roles in cellular metabolism.

MAJOR CONCLUSIONS

All the catalytically active GSTs contribute to the glutathione conjugation or glutathione dependant-biotransformation of xenobiotics and many catalyze glutathione peroxidase or thiol transferase reactions. GSTs also catalyze glutathione dependent isomerization reactions required for the synthesis of several prostaglandins and steroid hormones and the catabolism of tyrosine. An increasing body of work has implicated several GSTs in the regulation of cell signaling pathways mediated by stress-activated kinases like Jun N-terminal kinase. In addition, some members of the cytosolic GST family have been shown to form ion channels in intracellular membranes and to modulate ryanodine receptor Ca(2+) channels in skeletal and cardiac muscle.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

In addition to their well established roles in the conjugation and biotransformation of xenobiotics, GSTs have emerged as significant regulators of pathways determining cell proliferation and survival and as regulators of ryanodine receptors that are essential for muscle function. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Cellular functions of glutathione.

Ubiquitin-proteasome system impairment and MPTP-induced oxidative stress in the brain of C57BL/6 wild-type and GSTP knockout mice

The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is the primary proteolytic complex responsible for the elimination of damaged and misfolded intracellular proteins, often formed upon oxidative stress. Parkinson's disease (PD) is neuropathologically characterized by selective death of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) and accumulation of intracytoplasmic inclusions of aggregated proteins. Along with mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, defects in the UPS have been implicated in PD. Glutathione S-transferase pi (GSTP) is a phase II detoxifying enzyme displaying important defensive roles against the accumulation of reactive metabolites that potentiate the aggression of SN neuronal cells, by regulating several processes including S-glutathionylation, modulation of glutathione levels and control of kinase-catalytic activities. In this work we used C57BL/6 wild-type and GSTP knockout mice to elucidate the effect of both MPTP and MG132 in the UPS function and to clarify if the absence of GSTP alters the response of this pathway to the neurotoxin and proteasome inhibitor insults. Our results demonstrate that different components of the UPS have different susceptibilities to oxidative stress. Importantly, when compared to the wild-type, GSTP knockout mice display decreased ubiquitination capacity and overall increased susceptibility to UPS damage and inactivation upon MPTP-induced oxidative stress.

Resistance to acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in glutathione S-transferase Mu 1-null mice

We investigated the role of glutathione S-transferases Mu 1 (GSTM1) in acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity using Gstm1-null mice. A single oral administration of APAP resulted in a marked increase in plasma alanine aminotransferase accompanied by hepatocyte necrosis 24 hr after administration in wild-type mice, but its magnitude was unexpectedly attenuated in Gstm1-null mice. Therefore, it is suggested that Gstm1-null mice are resistant to APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. To examine the mechanism of this resistance in Gstm1-null mice, we measured phosphorylation of c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), which mediates the signal of APAP-induced hepatocyte necrosis, by Western blot analysis 2 and 6 hr after APAP administration. A marked increase in phosphorylated JNK was observed in wild-type mice, but the increase was markedly suppressed in Gstm1-null mice. Therefore, it is suggested that suppressed phosphorylation of JNK may be a main mechanism of the resistance to APAP-induced hepatotoxicity in Gstm1-null mice, although other possibilities of the mechanism cannot be eliminated. Additionally, phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase-3β and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 4, which are upstream kinases of JNK in APAP-induced hepatotoxicity, were also suppressed in Gstm1-null mice. A decrease in liver total glutathione 2 hr after APAP administration, which is an indicator for exposure to N-acetyl-p-benzoquinoneimine, the reactive metabolite of APAP, were similar in wild-type and Gstm1-null mice. In conclusion, Gstm1-null mice are considered to be resistant to APAP-induced hepatotoxicity perhaps by the suppression of JNK phosphorylation. This study indicates the novel role of GSTM1 as a factor mediating the cellular signal for APAP-induced hepatotoxicity.

Glutathione S-transferase pi mediates MPTP-induced c-Jun N-terminal kinase activation in the nigrostriatal pathway

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive movement disorder resulting from the death of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Neurotoxin-based models of PD using 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) recapitulate the neurological features of the disease, triggering a cascade of deleterious events through the activation of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). The molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of JNK activity under cellular stress conditions involve the activation of several upstream kinases along with the fine-tuning of different endogenous JNK repressors. Glutathione S-transferase pi (GSTP), a phase II detoxifying enzyme, has been shown to inhibit JNK-activated signaling by protein-protein interactions, preventing c-Jun phosphorylation and the subsequent trigger of the cell death cascade. Here, we use C57BL/6 wild-type and GSTP knockout mice treated with MPTP to evaluate the regulation of JNK signaling by GSTP in both the substantia nigra and the striatum. The results presented herein show that GSTP knockout mice are more susceptible to the neurotoxic effects of MPTP than their wild-type counterparts. Indeed, the administration of MPTP induces a progressive demise of nigral dopaminergic neurons together with the degeneration of striatal fibers at an earlier time-point in the GSTP knockout mice when compared to the wild-type mice. Also, MPTP treatment leads to increased p-JNK levels and JNK catalytic activity in both wild-type and GSTP knockout mice midbrain and striatum. Moreover, our results demonstrate that in vivo GSTP acts as an endogenous regulator of the MPTP-induced cellular stress response by controlling JNK activity through protein-protein interactions.

Cancer chemoprevention and nutriepigenetics: state of the art and future challenges

The term "epigenetics" refers to modifications in gene expression caused by heritable, but potentially reversible, changes in DNA methylation and chromatin structure. Epigenetic alterations have been identified as promising new targets for cancer prevention strategies as they occur early during carcinogenesis and represent potentially initiating events for cancer development. Over the past few years, nutriepigenetics - the influence of dietary components on mechanisms influencing the epigenome - has emerged as an exciting new field in current epigenetic research. During carcinogenesis, major cellular functions and pathways, including drug metabolism, cell cycle regulation, potential to repair DNA damage or to induce apoptosis, response to inflammatory stimuli, cell signalling, and cell growth control and differentiation become deregulated. Recent evidence now indicates that epigenetic alterations contribute to these cellular defects, for example epigenetic silencing of detoxifying enzymes, tumor suppressor genes, cell cycle regulators, apoptosis-inducing and DNA repair genes, nuclear receptors, signal transducers and transcription factors by promoter methylation, and modifications of histones and non-histone proteins such as p53, NF-κB, and the chaperone HSP90 by acetylation or methylation.The present review will summarize the potential of natural chemopreventive agents to counteract these cancer-related epigenetic alterations by influencing the activity or expression of DNA methyltransferases and histone modifying enzymes. Chemopreventive agents that target the epigenome include micronutrients (folate, retinoic acid, and selenium compounds), butyrate, polyphenols from green tea, apples, coffee, black raspberries, and other dietary sources, genistein and soy isoflavones, curcumin, resveratrol, dihydrocoumarin, nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), lycopene, anacardic acid, garcinol, constituents of Allium species and cruciferous vegetables, including indol-3-carbinol (I3C), diindolylmethane (DIM), sulforaphane, phenylethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), phenylhexyl isothiocyanate (PHI), diallyldisulfide (DADS) and its metabolite allyl mercaptan (AM), cambinol, and relatively unexplored modulators of histone lysine methylation (chaetocin, polyamine analogs). So far, data are still mainly derived from in vitro investigations, and results of animal models or human intervention studies are limited that demonstrate the functional relevance of epigenetic mechanisms for health promoting or cancer preventive efficacy of natural products. Also, most studies have focused on single candidate genes or mechanisms. With the emergence of novel technologies such as next-generation sequencing, future research has the potential to explore nutriepigenomics at a genome-wide level to understand better the importance of epigenetic mechanisms for gene regulation in cancer chemoprevention.

Glutathione s-transferases in pediatric cancer

The glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are a family of ubiquitously expressed polymorphic enzymes important for detoxifying endogenous and exogenous compounds. In addition to their classic activity of detoxification by conjugation of compounds with glutathione, many other functions are now found to be associated with GSTs. The associations between GST polymorphisms/functions and human disease susceptibility or treatment outcome, mostly in adults, have been extensively studied and reviewed. This mini review focuses on studies related to GST epidemiology and functions related to pediatric cancer. Opportunities to exploit GST in pediatric cancer therapy are also discussed.