Cytosolic GSTs (glutathione S-transferases) are a major reserve of high-capacity binding proteins and exhibit ligand-binding properties for a large variety of compounds. In the present study, the binding of two non-substrate anthraquinone dyes VBAR (Vilmafix Blue A-R) and CB3GA (Cibacron Blue 3GA) to maize (Zea mays) GST I was investigated. The results showed that the enzyme was specifically an...

The evolution of proteins for novel functions involves point mutations and recombinations of domains or structural segments. Mimicking this process by rational design in vitro is still a major challenge. The present report demonstrates that the active site of the enzyme glutathione transferase (GST) A1-1 can be tailored for high catalytic efficiency with alkenals. The result is a >3,000-fold ch...

The glutathione S-transferases are a family of dimeric enzymes that catalyze the reaction between GSH and a variety of electrophiles. Two closely related isozymes, referred to as YaYa and YcYc, were purified from rat liver. A radiolabeled azido derivative of glutathione (S-(p-azidophenacyl)[3H]glutathione) was prepared and used to label covalently the active site of the above two glutathione S-...

The cellular basis of immunological memory remains a controversial area with respect to the identity of memory T cells and the role of persisting antigen. CD4 T cells are phenotypically divided by the expression of high and low molecular weight isoforms of CD45, surface markers that are frequently used to identify "naive" (CD45Rhigh) and "memory" (CD45Rlow) subsets. The latter subset responds r...

Mouse glutathione S-transferase GST YfYf (an orthologue of GST P or 7-7 in the rat and of GST pi in the human) was found to have a subunit Mr of 24,500 and cross-reacted with anti-(rat GST YfYf). N-Terminal analysis showed a close similarity to the rat, human and bovine orthologues. On isoelectric focusing the native enzyme had a pI of 8.3 and a pI of 7.3 in the presence of urea. Initial-rate s...

Increasing UVB radiation at the earth's surface might have adverse effects on in vivo immunologic responses in humans. We prospectively randomized subjects to test whether epicutaneous immunization is altered by prior administration of biologically equalized doses of UV radiation. Multiple doses of antigens on upper inner arm skin (UV protected) were used to elicit contact sensitivity responses...

The isoenzyme glutathione S-transferase (GST) I from maize (Zea mays) was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli, and its catalytic mechanism was investigated by site-directed mutagenesis and dynamic studies. The results showed that the enzyme promotes proton dissociation from the GSH thiol and creates a thiolate anion with high nucleophilic reactivity by lowering the pK(a) of the thiol from ...