Glutathione 5-Transferases GSTs and Mercapturic Acid Formation

5 Glutathione S-Transferases (GSTs) and Mercapturic Acid Formation 

I cysteinyl glycinase RSCH2CH(NH2)COOH + glycine IV-acetyltransferase 

Multiple forms of GST have been demonstrated in the liver of many mammalian species multiple forms also occur in insects. Most GSTs are soluble dimeric proteins with molecular weights ranging between 45,000 and 50,000 daltons. All forms appear to be nonspecific with respect to the reaction types described, although the kinetic constants for particular substrates vary from one form to another. They are usually named from their chromatographic behavior. At least two are membrane-bound glutathione transferases, one of which is involved in metabolism of xenobiotics and is designated 

Aminopeptidases that catalyze the hydrolysis of cysteinyl peptides are known. The membrane-bound aminopeptidases are glycoproteins, usually with molecular weights of about 100,000 daltons. They appear to be metalloproteins, one of the better known being a zinc-containing enzyme. Other enzymes, such as the leucine aminopeptidase, are cytosolic but, at least in this case, are also zinc-containing. The substrate specificity of these enzymes varies but most are relatively nonspecific. 

Little is known of the N-acetyl transferase(s) responsible for the acetylation of the S-substituted cysteine. It is found in the microsomes of the kidney and the liver, however, and is specific for acetyl CoA as the actyl donor. It is distinguished from other N-acetyltransferases by its substrate specificity and subcellular location. 

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