Glutathione S-transferase π: a potential role in antitumor therapy

Glutathione S-transferase pi (GST pi) is a Phase II metabolic enzyme that is an important facilitator of cellular detoxification. Traditional dogma asserts that GST pi functions to catalyze glutathione (GSH)-substrate conjunction to preserve the macromolecule upon exposure to oxidative stress, thus defending cells against various toxic compounds. Over the past 20 years, abnormal GST pi expression has been linked to the occurrence of tumor resistance to chemotherapy drugs, demonstrating that this enzyme possesses functions beyond metabolism. This revelation reveals exciting possibilities in the realm of drug discovery, as GST pi inhibitors and its prodrugs offer a feasible strategy in designing anticancer drugs with the primary purpose of reversing tumor resistance. In connection with the authors' current research, we provide a review on the biological function of GST pi and current developments in GST pi-targeting drugs, as well as the prospects of future strategies.