Target intelligence / Profile preview

Glutathione S-transferase alpha 2 (GSTA2)

Target
GSTA2
Molecular classification
Enzyme, Phase II detoxification enzyme, Glutathione S-transferase family (Alpha class)
01

Overview

Glutathione S-transferase alpha 2 (GSTA2) is an enzyme belonging to the alpha class of the glutathione S-transferase family, predominantly expressed in the liver and involved in cellular defense against toxins and oxidative stress by catalyzing the conjugation of glutathione to a broad range of electrophilic compounds. GSTA2 expression is regulated by genetic polymorphisms and stress-responsive factors, and it contributes to detoxification processes, antioxidant defense, and the regulation of cell survival and apoptotic pathways. It plays roles in cancer progression, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma, and in protection against neurodegenerative and oxidative injuries, making it both a promising therapeutic target and a disease biomarker[1][2][3][4][5].

Other names
GSTA2GST2GSTA2-2GTA2GTH2GST HA subunit 2GST class-alpha member 2GST-gammaS-(hydroxyalkyl)glutathione lyase A2glutathione S-alkyltransferase A2glutathione S-aralkyltransferase A2glutathione S-aryltransferase A2liver GST2testis tissue sperm-binding protein Li 59n
02

Mechanism of action

GSTA2's mechanism of action primarily involves the conjugation of glutathione to electrophilic substrates, serving as a key enzyme in phase II metabolism. It also contributes to the reduction of reactive oxygen species and peroxidation damage through its glutathione peroxidase activity, and has been shown to inhibit apoptosis in various cellular models, including cancer and neuronal cells.

03

Biological functions

Detoxification of electrophilic compounds (including carcinogens, drugs, toxins, products of oxidative stress)Glutathione-mediated conjugation and peroxidase activityAntioxidant defense and protection from reactive oxygen speciesRegulation of cellular signaling pathways such as MAPK, JNK, AKT, and NF-κB in the context of oxidative stress and cell survival
04

Disease associations

Cancer (notably hepatocellular carcinoma, colorectal cancer, lung cancer)Neurodegenerative disease (Parkinson’s disease, ischemic/oxidative neural injury)Other roles in ischemia-reperfusion injury and liver diseases
05

Safety considerations

Non-specific tissue targeting in protein-based therapies (noted for fusion proteins like PEP-1-GSTA2)Potential for promoting cancer cell survival and metastasis, especially in HCC, when upregulated
06

Interacting drugs

Chemotherapeutic agents (generically; specific drugs not clearly listed in current results but known to metabolize or be substrates of GSTs)

2 more in the full profile.

07

Biomarkers

Circulating/early-phase GSTA2 as a prognostic biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence following liver transplantationGSTA2 expression (mRNA/protein) as a marker of oxidative stress and disease prognosis (HCC, ischemia, PD)

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