Crystal structure of a murine alpha-class glutathione S-transferase involved in cellular defense against oxidative stress

Abstract

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are ubiquitous multifunctional enzymes which play a key role in cellular detoxification. The enzymes protect the cells against toxicants by conjugating them to glutathione. Recently, a novel subgroup of alpha-class GSTs has been identified with altered substrate specificity which is particularly important for cellular defense against oxidative stress. Here, we report the crystal structure of murine GSTA4-4, which is the first structure of a prototypical member of this subgroup. The structure was solved by molecular replacement and refined to 2.9 A resolution. It resembles the structure of other members of the GST superfamily, but reveals a distinct substrate binding site.