| GSTM1 | |
|---|---|
| Gene Symbol | GSTM1 |
| Full Name | Glutathione S-Transferase Mu 1 |
| Chromosomal Location | 1p13.3 |
| NCBI Gene ID | [2944](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/2944) |
| OMIM | [138370](https://www.omim.org/entry/138370) |
| Ensembl ID | ENSG00000166736 |
| UniProt ID | [P09488](https://www.uniprot.org/uniprot/P09488) |
| Associated Diseases | Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, ALS, Cancer, Stroke |
## is a human gene whose product gSTM1 (Glutathione S-Transferase Mu 1)** encodes a member of the glutathione S-transferase (GST) family of enzymes that catalyze the conjugation of glutathione (GSH) to a wide variety of endogenous and exogenous electrophilic compounds. GSTs play critical roles in cellular detoxification, oxidative stress protection, and drug metabolism 1. Variants in ## have been implicated in Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, ALS. This page covers the gene's normal function, disease associations, expression patterns, and key research findings relevant to neurodegeneration.
GSTM1 (Glutathione S-Transferase Mu 1) encodes a member of the glutathione S-transferase (GST) family of enzymes that catalyze the conjugation of glutathione (GSH) to a wide variety of endogenous and exogenous electrophilic compounds. GSTs play critical roles in cellular detoxification, oxidative stress protection, and drug metabolism 1.
GSTM1 is a cytosolic enzyme that belongs to the mu class of GSTs, characterized by its ability to efficiently metabolize certain substrates including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, nitrosamines, and lipid peroxidation products. The enzyme forms homodimers (and heterodimers with other GST mu class members) that have distinct substrate specificities 2.
Key functions in the nervous system:
GSTM1 null genotype is associated with increased AD risk. The lack of GSTM1 enzyme activity leads to reduced detoxification capacity and increased vulnerability to oxidative stress, a hallmark of AD pathogenesis 4.
GSTM1 polymorphisms influence PD susceptibility. The GSTM1 null genotype is associated with earlier onset and increased risk of PD, particularly in combination with other genetic and environmental risk factors 5.
Oxidative stress plays a significant role in ALS pathogenesis. GSTM1 variants may modify ALS risk and disease progression through effects on cellular detoxification capacity 6.
GSTM1 provides neuroprotection against ischemic brain injury. Reduced GSTM1 activity increases susceptibility to stroke damage 7.
GSTM1 is expressed in most tissues, with high expression in liver and moderate expression in brain. In the brain, GSTM1 is expressed in neurons and astrocytes, with particularly high levels in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Expression is inducible by oxidative stress and xenobiotic exposure through the Nrf2-ARE transcriptional pathway 8.
GST modulators and inducers represent potential therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases. Compounds that increase GST expression (such as Nrf2 activators) could enhance neuroprotection 9.