Comparative genomics identifies new alpha class genes within the avian glutathione S-transferase gene cluster

Abstract

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs: EC2.5.1.18) are a superfamily of multifunctional dimeric enzymes that catalyze the conjugation of glutathione (GSH) to electrophilic chemicals. In most animals and in humans, GSTs are the principal enzymes responsible for detoxifying the mycotoxin aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)) and GST dysfunction is a known risk factor for susceptibility towards AFB(1). Turkeys are one of the most susceptible animals known to AFB(1), which is a common contaminant of poultry feeds. The extreme susceptibility of turkeys is associated with hepatic GSTs unable to detoxify the highly reactive and electrophilic metabolite exo-AFB(1)-8,9-epoxide (AFBO). In this study, comparative genomic approaches were used to amplify and identify the alpha-class tGST genes (tGSTA1.1, tGSTA1.2, tGSTA1.3, tGSTA2, tGSTA3 and tGSTA4) from turkey liver. The conserved GST domains and four alpha-class signature motifs in turkey GSTs (with the exception of tGSTA1.1 which lacked one motif) confirm the presence of hepatic alpha-class GSTs in the turkey. Four signature motifs and conserved residues found in alpha-class tGSTs are (1) xMExxxWLLAAAGVE, (2) YGKDxKERAxIDMYVxG, (3) PVxEKVLKxHGxxxL and (4) PxIKKFLXPGSxxKPxxx. A BAC clone containing the alpha-class GST gene cluster was isolated and sequenced. The turkey alpha-class GTS genes genetically map to chromosome MGA2 with synteny between turkey and human alpha-class GSTs and flanking genes. This study identifies the alpha-class tGST gene cluster and genetic markers (SNPs, single nucleotide polymorphisms) that can be used to further examine AFB(1) susceptibility and resistance in turkeys. Functional characterization of heterologously expressed proteins from these genes is currently underway.