Bacterial glutathione transferase

Bacterial glutathione transferases (GSTs; EC 2.5.1.18) are part of a superfamily of enzymes that play a crucial role in cellular detoxification. The primary role of GSTs is to catalyse the conjugation of glutathione (GSH) with the electrophilic centers of a wide variety of molecules.

GSTs are widely distributed in aerobic bacteria and are classified into several classes. GSTs are not detected in anaerobic bacteria or archaea.

In bacteria, GSTs are involved in a variety of distinct processes such as biotransformation of toxic compounds, protection against several stresses and antibacterial drug resistance.