Glutathione-S transferases and their function as a protein superfamily in plants

Glutathione s transferase (GST) is one of the largest protein and multigene families present in all plant species and other living organisms. With respect to these proteins, which are highly ‌inducible to stress and internal and external stimuli, several functions in plants have been identified, including implication in secondary metabolism, growth and development, detoxification of herbicides, as well as coping with environmental stresses such as drought, heat, and salinity through antioxidant activity. These enzymes lead to cell detoxification by binding glutathione to a variety of substrates such as endobiotics and xenobiotics. Most GSTs are cytoplasmic soluble enzymes, but mitochondrial and microsomal isoforms are also have been known in plants and animals. This article presents some of the most important recent findings on the evolution of GST, its frequency and structural features, with an emphasis on their role in plants. Also, the latest applications of this family of proteins in environmental biotechnology will be mentioned.