Screening for recombinant glutathione transferases active with monochlorobimane

A rapid and facile colony assay has been developed for catalytically active enzymes in combinatorial cDNA libraries of mutated glutathione transferases (GST), expressed in Escherichia coli. The basis of the method is the conjugation of glutathione (GSH) with the fluorogenic substrate monochlorobimane (MCB). This screening method makes it possible to isolate and characterize one recombinant clone that is active with MCB among thousands of inactive variants. Colonies containing GSTs that catalyze the conjugation of GSH with MCB display fluorescence under long-wavelength UV light. The fluorescence is visible instantly. One rat and 11 human GSTs representing four distinct enzyme classes were studied, and all except human GST T1-1 gave rise to fluorescent colonies. The colony assay based on MCB can consequently be broadly applied for identifying active GSTs both after subcloning of wild-type enzymes and in the screening of mutant libraries. Populations of bacteria expressing GSTs can also be analyzed by flow cytometry.     

Development of a new colorimetric assay for lipoxygenase activity

Lipoxygenases (LOXs) are a family of non-heme iron-containing dioxygenases that catalyze the hydroperoxidation of lipids, containing a cis,cis-1,4-pentadiene structure. A rapid and reliable colorimetric assay for determination of the activity of three human functional lipoxygenase isoforms (5-lipoxygenase, platelet 12-lipoxygenase, and 15-lipoxygenase-1) is developed in this article. In the new assay, LOX-derived lipid hydroperoxides oxidize the ferrous ion (Fe²⁺) to the ferric ion (Fe³⁺), the latter of which binds with thiocyanate (SCN^–) to generate a red ferrithiocyanate (FTC) complex. The absorbance of the FTC complex can be easily measured at 480 nm. Because 5-LOX can be stimulated by many cofactors, the effects of its cofactors (Ca²⁺, ATP, dithiothreitol, glutathione, l-α-phosphatidylcholine, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) on the color development of the FTC complex are also determined. The assay is adaptive for purified LOXs and cell lysates containing active LOXs. We use the new colorimetric assay in a 96-well format to evaluate several well-known LOX inhibitors, the IC₅₀ values of which are in good agreement with previously reported data. The reliability and reproducibility of the assay make it useful for in vitro screening for inhibitors of LOXs and, therefore, should accelerate drug discovery for clinical application.     

Glutathione transferase activity with a novel substrate mimics the activation of the prodrug azathioprine

Azathioprine is a prodrug that is widely used clinically as an immunosuppressive agent. The pharmacological action of azathioprine is associated with the release of 6-mercaptopurine by a reaction involving glutathione. This biotransformation of azathioprine is catalyzed by glutathione transferases (GSTs). The nonenzymatic reaction with glutathione is minimal in comparison with the GST-catalyzed process, but azathioprine is still a slow substrate in comparison with the most effective GST substrates. Novel GSTs with higher catalytic efficiency toward azathioprine could be useful in novel therapeutic applications; therefore, directed evolution of GSTs for enhanced activities is desirable. However, screening for variants having higher catalytic activity with azathioprine is a time-consuming process due to the low activity with this substrate. A new chromogenic and faster substrate, 1-methyl-4-nitro-5-(4-nitrophenylthio)-1H-imidazole (NPTI), has been synthesized and characterized by assays with several GSTs. The novel substrate mimicked azathioprine in the reaction with glutathione catalyzed by alpha class GSTs and, therefore, is a valuable surrogate in the screening of large mutant libraries. NPTI may also find use in the elucidation of the exact mechanism of immunosuppression effected by azathioprine where there is evidence that the imidazole moiety of azathioprine, rather than 6-mercaptopurine, is involved.     

A nonradioactive iodide uptake assay for sodium iodide symporter function

The standard assay for sodium iodide symporter (NIS) function is based on the measurement of radioiodide uptake (¹²⁵I) in NIS-expressing cells. However, cost and safety issues have limited the method from being used widely. Here we describe a simple spectrophotometric assay for the determination of iodide accumulation in rat thyroid-derived cells (FRTL5) based on the catalytic effect of iodide on the reduction of yellow cerium(IV) to colorless cerium(III) in the presence of arsenious acid (Sandell-Kolthoff reaction). The assay is fast and highly reproducible with a Z′ factor of 0.70. This procedure allows the screening of more than 800 samples per day and can easily be adapted to robotic systems for high-throughput screening of NIS function modulators. Using this method, the potency of several known inhibitors of NIS function was evaluated in a single day with high accuracy and reliability. Measured IC₅₀ values were essentially identical to those determined using Na¹²⁵I.     

A novel theta-class glutathione S-transferase gene in Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) (Hemiptera: Aphididae): Identification,recombinant protein expression and function analyses of RpGSTT1

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) play a major role in the detoxification of insecticides and the protection against oxidative damage caused by ROS (reactive oxygen species). The bird cherry-oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi (L.), is a major crop pest worldwide. Chemical insecticides are currently used to control aphids, but insecticide resistance is an evolutionary issue for aphid control. In this research, we identified and cloned the full-length cDNA of a theta-class GST gene (RpGSTT1) from R. padi, which contains 702 bp open reading frame encoding 233 amino acids. RpGSTT1 was clustered together with theta classe of insect GSTs in the phylogenetic tree. Effect of insecticide exposure on the GST enzyme activity was investigated in vivo. After affinity purification, the recombinant RpGSTT1 protein was able to catalyze the conjugation of 1-chloro-2, 4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB). A disc diffusion assay showed that the RpGSTT1 can increase resistance to cumene hydroperoxide-induced oxidative stress. In addition, the purified recombinant RpGSTT1 protected super-coiled DNA from oxidative damage. By quantitative PCR, The relative expression level of RpGSTT1 in the aphid was highly up-regulated after 12 h exposure to β-cypermethrin, isoprocarb, malathion and sulfoxaflor, respectively. To our knowledge, RpGSTT1 is the first theta class of GST gene reported in bird cherry-oat aphid. Our findings indicate that RpGSTT1 may be involved in insecticide detoxification in R. padi.     

A colorimetric assay for sulfiredoxin activity using inorganic phosphate measurement

2-Cys peroxiredoxin (Prx) is the major subgroup of a family of Prx enzymes that reduce peroxide molecules such as hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). 2-Cys Prxs are inactivated when their active site cysteine residue is hyperoxidized to sulfinic acid. Sulfiredoxin (Srx) is an enzyme that catalyzes reduction of hyperoxidized 2-Cys Prxs in the presence of ATP, Mg²⁺, and thiol equivalent. Therefore, Srx activity is crucial for cellular function of 2-Cys Prxs. The method currently available for the determination of Srx activity relies on immunoblot detection using antibodies to hyperoxidized enzymes. Here we introduce a simple quantitative assay for Srx activity based on the colorimetric determination of inorganic phosphate released in Srx-dependent reduction of hyperoxidized Prx using the malachite green. The colorimetric assay was used for high-throughput screening of 25,000 chemicals to find Srx inhibitors.     

A glutathione transferase from Agrobacterium tumefaciens reveals a novel class of bacterial GST superfamily

In the present work, we report a novel class of glutathione transferases (GSTs) originated from the pathogenic soil bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens C58, with structural and catalytic properties not observed previously in prokaryotic and eukaryotic GST isoenzymes. A GST-like sequence from A. tumefaciens C58 (Atu3701) with low similarity to other characterized GST family of enzymes was identified. Phylogenetic analysis showed that it belongs to a distinct GST class not previously described and restricted only in soil bacteria, called the Eta class (H). This enzyme (designated as AtuGSTH1-1) was cloned and expressed in E. coli and its structural and catalytic properties were investigated. Functional analysis showed that AtuGSTH1-1 exhibits significant transferase activity against the common substrates aryl halides, as well as very high peroxidase activity towards organic hydroperoxides. The crystal structure of AtuGSTH1-1 was determined at 1.4 Å resolution in complex with S-(p-nitrobenzyl)-glutathione (Nb-GSH). Although AtuGSTH1-1 adopts the canonical GST fold, sequence and structural characteristics distinct from previously characterized GSTs were identified. The absence of the classic catalytic essential residues (Tyr, Ser, Cys) distinguishes AtuGSTH1-1 from all other cytosolic GSTs of known structure and function. Site-directed mutagenesis showed that instead of the classic catalytic residues, an Arg residue (Arg34), an electron-sharing network, and a bridge of a network of water molecules may form the basis of the catalytic mechanism. Comparative sequence analysis, structural information, and site-directed mutagenesis in combination with kinetic analysis showed that Phe22, Ser25, and Arg187 are additional important residues for the enzyme''s catalytic efficiency and specificity.     

Employment of colorimetric enzyme assay for monitoring expression and solubility of GST fusion proteins targeted to inclusion bodies

High levels of recombinant protein expression can lead to the formation of insoluble inclusion bodies. These complex aggregates are commonly solubilized in strong denaturants, such as 6–8 M urea, although, if possible, solubilization under milder conditions could facilitate subsequent refolding and purification of bioactive proteins. Commercially available GST-tag assays are designed for quantitative measurement of GST activity under native conditions. GST fusion proteins accumulated in inclusion bodies are considered to be undetectable by such assays. In this work, solubilization of recombinantly produced proteins was performed in 4 M urea. The activity of rGST was assayed in 2 M urea and it was shown that rGST preserves 85% of its activity under such denaturing conditions. A colorimetric GST activity assay with 1-chloro-2, 4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB) was examined for use in rapid detection of expression targeted to inclusion bodies and for the identification of inclusion body proteins which can be solubilized in low concentrations of chaotropic agents. Applicability of the assay was evaluated by tracking protein expression of two GST-fused allergens of biopharmaceutical value in E. coli, GST-Der p 2 and GST-Mus a 5, both targeted to inclusion bodies.     

A colorimetric assay optimization for high-throughput screening of dihydroorotase by detecting ureido groups

Dihydroorotase (DHOase) is the third enzyme in the de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis pathway and is a potential new antibacterial drug target. No target-based high-throughput screening (HTS) assay for this enzyme has been reported to date. Here, we optimized two colorimetric-based enzymatic assays that detect the ureido moiety of the DHOase substrate, carbamyl-aspartate (Ca-asp). Each assay was developed in a 40-μl assay volume using 384-well plates with a different color mix, diacetylmonoxime (DAMO)–thiosemicarbazide (TSC) or DAMO–antipyrine. The sensitivity and color interference of both color mixes were compared in the presence of common HTS buffer additives, including dimethyl sulfoxide, reducing agents, detergents, and bovine serum albumin. DAMO–TSC (Z′-factors 0.7–0.8) was determined to be superior to DAMO–antipyrine (Z′-factors 0.5–0.6) with significantly less variability within replicates. An HTS pilot screening with 29,552 compounds from four structurally diverse libraries confirmed the quality of our newly optimized colorimetric assay with DAMO–TSC. This robust method has no heating requirement, which was the main obstacle to applying previous assays to HTS. More important, this well-optimized HTS assay for DHOase, the first of its kind, should make it possible to screen large-scale compound libraries to develop new inhibitors against any enzymes that produce ureido functional groups.     

Assay for enzyme activity by following the absorbance change of pH-indicators

Based on the absorbance change of indicators with the concentration of hydrogen ion released from an enzyme-catalyzed reaction, a convenient colorimetric method was established for the assay of acidic phospholipase A₂ and glycogen phosphorylase b. Brilliant yellow and bromothymol blue were chosen as indicators for assays of acidic phospholipase A₂ and glycogen phosphorylase b by following the absorbance changes at 495 and 615 nm, respectively. The method is simple, sample-saving, sensitive and valid for a wide range of enzyme concentrations. It can be extended for assaying other enzymes catalyzing reactions with hydrogen ion concentration changes.     

Metal binding ability of glutathione transferases conserved between two animal species,the vanadium-rich ascidian Ascidia sydneiensis samea and the schistosome Schistosoma japonicum

Glutathione transferases (GSTs) are multifunctional enzymes found in many organisms. We recently identified vanadium-binding GSTs, designated AsGSTs, from the vanadium-rich ascidian, Ascidia sydneiensis samea. In this study, the metal-selectivity of AsGST-I was investigated. Immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography (IMAC) analysis revealed that AsGST-I binds to V(IV), Fe(III), and Cu(II) with high affinity in the following order Cu(II) > V(IV) > Fe(III), and to Co(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II) with low affinity. The GST activity of AsGST-I was inhibited dose-dependently by not V(IV) but Cu(II). A competition experiment demonstrated that the binding of V(IV) to AsGST-I was not inhibited by Cu(II). These results suggest that AsGST-I has high V(IV)-selectivity, which can confer the specific vanadium accumulation of ascidians. Because there are few reports on the metal-binding ability of GSTs, we performed the same analysis on SjGST (GST from the schistosome, Schistosoma japonicum). SjGST also demonstrated metal-binding ability although the binding pattern differed from that of AsGST-I. The GST activity of SjGST was inhibited by Cu(II) only, as that of AsGST-I. Our results indicate a possibility that metal-binding abilities of GSTs are conserved among organisms, at least animals, which is suggestive of a new role for these enzymes in metal homeostasis or detoxification.     

Divergence in structure and function of tau class glutathione transferase from Pinus tabulaeformis,P. yunnanensis and P. densata

Glutathione transferases (GSTs) are a family of enzymes that play important roles in stress tolerance and detoxification in plants. The plant GSTs are divided into four classes (phi, tau, zeta and theta), among which tau is the most numerously represented. To date, studies on GSTs in plants have focused largely on crop species. There is extremely little information on the molecular characteristics of GSTs in gymnosperms. Generalization on GST characteristics unique to gymnosperms and the patterns of GST evolution in plants cannot be made before more members of the gene family in conifers are described. In this study we report three new GSTs from Pinus tabulaeformis, Pinus densata and Pinus yunnanensis. Structural and phylogenetic analyses placed these three GSTs in tau class. The tau GST class is subdivided into three clades and this subdivision seems an ancient event that may have pre-dated the gymnosperm and angiosperm split. Sequence analysis revealed a highly conserved N-terminal domain in contrast to a highly variable C-terminal domain. Mutations even outside the critical glutathione-binding site in N-terminal domain can have pronounced effect on GST catalytic property. Thus, sequence similarity does not parallel functional specificity. The high diversity in C-terminal domain determines a wide range of substrate selectivity and specificity among tau GSTs. Thus the a few conserved residues in C-terminal domain seem essential to maintain the structure of the domain and the protein dimer. More extensive data on GST family organization and a thorough gene-by-gene analysis in conifers are needed to advance our understanding of the true diversity and evolution of GST in structure and function in plants.     

Detection of toxin B of Clostridium difficile based on immunomagnetic separation and aptamer-mediated colorimetric assay

Clostridium difficile can cause antibiotic-associated diarrhoea or pseudo-membranous colitis in humans and animals. Currently, the various methods such as microbiological culture, cytotoxic assay, ELISA and polymerase chain reaction have been used to detect Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). These conventional methods, however, require long detection time and professional staff. The paper is to describe a simple strategy which employs immunomagnetic separation and aptamer-mediated colorimetric assay for the detection of toxin B of C. difficile (TcdB) in the stool samples. HRP-labelled aptamer against TcdB selected by SELEX was firstly captured on the surface of magnetic beads (MB) by DNA hybridization with a complementary strand. In the presence of TcdB, aptamer specifically recognized and bound TcdB, disturbing the DNA hybridization and causing the release of HRP-aptamer from MB. This reduced the catalytic capacity of HRP and consequently the absorption intensity. As there was a relationship between the decrease in the absorption intensity and target concentration, a quantitative analysis of TcdB can be accomplished by the measurement of the absorption intensity. Under the optimal conditions, the assay system is able to detect TcdB at a concentration down to 5 ng ml⁻¹. Moreover the method had specificity of 97% and sensitivity of 66% and the system remained excellent stability within 4 weeks. The proposed method is a valuable screening procedure for CDI and can be extended readily to detection of other clinically important pathogens.     

Characterization of a Highly pH Stable Chi-Class Glutathione S-Transferase from Synechocystis PCC 6803

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are multifunctional enzymes present in virtually all organisms. Besides having an essential role in cellular detoxification, they also perform various other functions, including responses in stress conditions and signaling. GSTs are highly studied in plants and animals; however, the knowledge regarding GSTs in cyanobacteria seems rudimentary. In this study, we report the characterization of a highly pH stable GST from the model cyanobacterium- Synechocystis PCC 6803. The gene sll0067 was expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli), and the protein was purified to homogeneity. The expressed protein exists as a homo-dimer, which is composed of about 20 kDa subunit. The results of the steady-state enzyme kinetics displayed protein’s glutathione conjugation activity towards its class specific substrate- isothiocyanate, having the maximal activity with phenethyl isothiocyanate. Contrary to the poor catalytic activity and low specificity towards standard GST substrates such as 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene by bacterial GSTs, PmGST B1-1 from Proteus mirabilis, and E. coli GST, sll0067 has broad substrate degradation capability like most of the mammalian GST. Moreover, we have shown that cyanobacterial GST sll0067 is catalytically efficient compared to the best mammalian enzymes. The structural stability of GST was studied as a function of pH. The fluorescence and CD spectroscopy in combination with size exclusion chromatography showed a highly stable nature of the protein over a broad pH range from 2.0 to 11.0. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first GST with such a wide range of pH related structural stability. Furthermore, the presence of conserved Proline-53, structural motifs such as N-capping box and hydrophobic staple further aid in the stability and proper folding of cyanobacterial GST- sll0067.     

Crystallographic and Functional Characterization of the Fluorodifen-inducible Glutathione Transferase from Glycine max Reveals an Active Site Topography Suited for Diphenylether Herbicides and a Novel L-site

Glutathione transferases (GSTs) from the tau class (GSTU) are unique to plants and have important roles in stress tolerance and the detoxification of herbicides in crops and weeds. A fluorodifen-induced GST isoezyme (GmGSTU4-4) belonging to the tau class was purified from Glycine max by affinity chromatography. This isoenzyme was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli, and its structural and catalytic properties were investigated. The structure of GmGSTU4-4 was determined at 1.75 Å resolution in complex with S-(p-nitrobenzyl)-glutathione (Nb-GSH). The enzyme adopts the canonical GST fold but with a number of functionally important differences. Compared with other plant GSTs, the three-dimensional structure of GmGSTU4-4 primarily shows structural differences in the hydrphobic substrate binding site, the linker segment and the C-terminal region. The X-ray structure identifies key amino acid residues in the hydrophobic binding site (H-site) and provides insights into the substrate specificity and catalytic mechanism of the enzyme. The isoenzyme was highly active in conjugating the diphenylether herbicide fluorodifen. A possible reaction pathway involving the conjugation of glutathione with fluorodifen is described based on site-directed mutagenesis and molecular modeling studies. A serine residue (Ser13) is present in the active site, at a position that would allow it to stabilise the thiolate anion of glutathione and enhance its nucleophilicity. Tyr107 and Arg111 present in the active site are important structural moieties that modulate the catalytic efficiency and specificity of the enzyme, and participate in k_cat regulation by affecting the rate-limiting step of the catalytic reaction. A hitherto undescribed ligand-binding site (L-site) located in a surface pocket of the enzyme was also found. This site is formed by conserved residues, suggesting it may have an important functional role in the transfer and delivery of bound ligands, presumably to specific protein receptors.     

A new,sensitive ecto-5′-nucleotidase assay for compound screening

Ecto-5′-nucleotidase (eN) is a membrane-bound enzyme that hydrolyzes extracellular nucleoside-5′-monophosphates yielding the respective nucleoside and phosphate. Increased levels of eN expression have been observed in many cancer cells. By increasing extracellular adenosine concentrations, they contribute to their proliferative, angiogenic, metastatic, and immunosuppressive effects. Therefore, eN is of considerable interest as a novel drug target for the treatment of cancer as well as of inflammatory diseases. In this study, we developed, optimized, and applied a highly sensitive radiometric assay using [³H]adenosine-5′-monophosphate (AMP) as a substrate. The reaction product [³H]adenosine was separated from [³H]AMP by precipitation of the latter with lanthanum chloride and subsequent filtration through glass fiber filters. Conditions were optimized to reproducibly collect the [³H]adenosine-containing filtrate used for quantitative determination. Validation of the assay yielded a mean Z′ factor of 0.73, which demonstrates its suitability for high-throughput screening. The new assay shows a limit of detection that is at least 30-fold lower than those of common colorimetric methods (e.g., optimized malachite green assay and capillary electrophoresis-based assay procedures), and it is also superior to a recently developed luciferase-based assay.     

Structural Basis for Featuring of Steroid Isomerase Activity in Alpha Class Glutathione Transferases

Glutathione transferases (GSTs) are abundant enzymes catalyzing the conjugation of hydrophobic toxic substrates with glutathione. In addition to detoxication, human GST A3-3 displays prominent steroid double-bond isomerase activity; e.g. transforming Δ⁵-androstene-3-17-dione into Δ⁴-androstene-3-17-dione (AD). This chemical transformation is a crucial step in the biosynthesis of steroids, such as testosterone and progesterone. In contrast to GST A3-3, the homologous GST A2-2 does not show significant steroid isomerase activity. We have solved the 3D structures of human GSTs A2-2 and A3-3 in complex with AD. In the GST A3-3 crystal structure, AD was bound in an orientation suitable for the glutathione (GSH)-mediated catalysis to occur. In GST A2-2, however, AD was bound in a completely different orientation with its reactive double bond distant from the GSH-binding site. The structures illustrate how a few amino acid substitutions in the active site spectacularly alter the binding mode of the steroid substrate in relation to the conserved catalytic groups and an essentially fixed polypeptide chain conformation. Furthermore, AD did not bind to the GST A2-2-GSH complex. Altogether, these results provide a first-time structural insight into the steroid isomerase activity of any GST and explain the 5000-fold difference in catalytic efficiency between GSTs A2-2 and A3-3. More generally, the structures illustrate how dramatic diversification of functional properties can arise via minimal structural alterations. We suggest a novel structure-based mechanism of the steroid isomerization reaction.     

A long-wavelength fluorescent substrate for continuous fluorometric determination of α-mannosidase activity: Resorufin α-d-mannopyranoside

A simple and reliable continuous assay for measurement of α-mannosidase activity is described and demonstrated for analysis with two recombinant human enzymes using the new substrate resorufin α-d-mannopyranoside (Res-Man). The product of enzyme reaction, resorufin, exhibits fluorescence emission at 585 nm with excitation at 571 nm and has a pK_a of 5.8, allowing continuous measurement of fluorescence turnover at or near physiological pH values for human lysosomal and Drosophila Golgi α-mannosidases. The assay performed using recombinant Drosophila Golgi α-mannosidase (dGMII) has been shown to give the kinetic parameters K_m of 200 μM and V_max of 11 nmol/min per nmol dGMII. Methods for performing the assay using several concentrations of the known α-mannosidase inhibitor swainsonine are also presented, demonstrating a potential for use of the assay as a simple method for high-throughput screening of inhibitors potentially useful in cancer treatment.     

Proposed reductive metabolism of artemisinin by glutathione transferases in vitro

Artemisinin is a sesquiterpene lactone containing an endoperoxide bridge. It is a promising new antimalarial and is particularly useful against the drug resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum. It has unique antimalarial properties since it acts through the generation of free radicals that alkylate parasite proteins. Since the antimalarial action of the drug is antagonised by glutathione and ascorbate and has unusual pharmacokinetic properties in humans, we have investigated if the drug is broken down by a typical reductive reaction in the presence of glutathione transferases. Cytosolic glutathione transferases (GSTs) detoxify electrophilic xenobiotics by catalysing the formation of glutathione (GSH) conjugates and exhibit glutathione peroxidase activity towards hydroperoxides. Artemisinin was incubated with glutathione, NADPH and glutathione reductase and GSTs in a coupled assay system analogous to the standard assay scheme with cumene hydroperoxide as a substrate of GSTs. Artemisinin was shown to stimulate NADPH oxidation in cytosols from rat liver, kidney, intestines and in affinity purified preparations of GSTs from rat liver. Using human recombinant GSTs hetelorogously expressed in Escherichia coli, artemisinin was similarly shown to stimulate NADPH oxidation with the highest activity observed with GST M1-1. Using recombinant GSTs the activity of GSTs with artemisinin was at least two fold higher than the reaction with CDNB. Considering these results, it is possible that GSTs may contribute to the metabolism of artemisinin in the presence of NADPH and GSSG-reductase We propose a model, based on the known reactions of GSTs and sesquiterpenes, in which (1) artemisinin reacts with GSH resulting in oxidised glutathione; (2) the oxidised glutathione is then converted to reduced glutathione via glutathione reductase; and (3) the latter reaction may then result in the depletion of NADPH via GSSG-reductase. The ability of artemisinin to react with GSH in the presence of GST may be responsible for the NADPH utilisation observed in vitro and suggests that cytosolic GSTs are likely to be contributing to metabolism of artemisinin and related drugs in vivo.