Glutathione S-transferase C-terminal domain-containing protein (GSTCD)

Glutathione S-transferase C-terminal domain-containing protein (GSTCD) is a human protein encoded by the GSTCD gene and originally named for its structural homology to the C-terminal domain of glutathione S-transferase (GST) enzymes[1][2][3][6]. GSTCD lacks enzymatic GST activity, as it contains only the GST-like C-terminal α-helical domain and not the essential N-terminal thioredoxin-type domain required for GST catalysis[1][2]. Structural analysis proposes that GSTCD contains a methyltransferase domain, suggesting alternative functions in cell viability and apoptosis regulation rather than classical detoxification[1][2]. Experimental knockdown of GSTCD in airway epithelial cells has shown effects on cell number and modulation of genes related to fibrosis, inflammation, and adipogenesis, implicating it in airway biology and possibly lung disease[1]. GSTCD is widely expressed in airway-related cell types and its genetic variants have been reproducibly associated with lung function and increased susceptibility to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in genome-wide association studies[1][2][3][4][5]. However, the protein itself is poorly characterized, no enzymatic activity has been confirmed, and it is not a direct therapeutic target[1][2][3][4][6].

Other names

GSTCDGlutathione S-transferase C-terminal domain containingFLJ13273Glutathione S-transferase C-terminal domain-containing protein

No validated mechanisms of action for drugs targeting GSTCD exist; the protein does not have demonstrable GST enzymatic activity or known ligand/inhibitor mechanisms[1][2].