Find in Library

Glutathione transferases (GSTs; EC. 2.5.1.18) are a large family of multifunctional enzymes that play crucial roles in the metabolism and inactivation of a broad range of xenobiotic compounds. In the present work, we report the kinetic and structural characterization of the isoenzyme GSTM1-1 from <i>Camelus dromedarius</i> (<i>Cd</i>GSTM1-1). The <i>Cd</i>GSΤM1-1 was expressed in <i>E. coli</i> BL21 (DE3) and was purified by affinity chromatography. Kinetics analysis showed that the enzyme displays a relative narrow substrate specificity and restricted ability to bind xenobiotic compounds. The crystal structures of <i>Cd</i>GSΤM1-1 were determined by X-ray crystallography in complex with the substrate (GSH) or the reaction product (S-p-nitrobenzyl-GSH), providing snapshots of the induced-fit catalytic mechanism. The thermodynamic stability of <i>Cd</i>GSTM1-1 was investigated using differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF) in the absence and in presence of GSH and S-p-nitrobenzyl-GSH and revealed that the enzyme’s structure is significantly stabilized by its ligands. The results of the present study advance the understanding of camelid GST detoxification mechanisms and their contribution to abiotic stress adaptation in harsh desert conditions.