Glutathione S-transferase A2 (GSTA2) (GSTA2)

Glutathione S-transferase A2 (GSTA2) is a key member of the alpha class of the glutathione S-transferase superfamily, primarily localized in the liver, kidney, and gastrointestinal tract. It functions as a critical phase II detoxification enzyme, catalyzing the conjugation of reduced glutathione to a diverse array of hydrophobic electrophiles, including carcinogens, environmental toxins, and therapeutic agents such as busulfan and nitrogen mustards (UniProt P09210; PubMed 8307579). Beyond its role in xenobiotic metabolism, GSTA2 provides essential cellular protection against oxidative stress through its glutathione peroxidase activity, which neutralizes reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation products (GeneCards; PubMed 138360). In clinical oncology, GSTA2 is significant due to its involvement in drug resistance; its overexpression can protect cancer cells from the cytotoxic effects of alkylating agents, while genetic polymorphisms, such as the S112T variant, are known to influence the efficacy and toxicity of conditioning regimens in bone marrow transplantation (PubMed 24041588; PubMed 15778998). Furthermore, emerging research identifies GSTA2 as a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in hepatocellular carcinoma, where it may facilitate tumor progression and metastasis by promoting the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (PubMed 34290234). Consequently, GSTA2 represents a vital link between genetic variability, environmental detoxification, and the modulation of therapeutic responses in cancer and inflammatory diseases.

Other names

GST2GSTA2-2GTA2GTH2Glutathione S-transferase alpha 2GST class-alpha member 2GST HA subunit 2S-(hydroxyalkyl)glutathione lyase A2Glutathione S-alkyltransferase A2Glutathione S-aralkyltransferase A2Glutathione S-aryltransferase A2Liver GST2Testis tissue sperm-binding protein Li 59n

Glutathione S-transferase A2 (GSTA2) catalyzes the conjugation of reduced glutathione (GSH) to a wide variety of hydrophobic electrophilic compounds, including environmental toxins and chemotherapeutic drugs, thereby facilitating their detoxification and elimination. It also possesses glutathione peroxidase activity, which helps protect cells against oxidative stress by reducing organic hydroperoxides.