Genomic organization of the glutathione S-transferase family in insects

Mol Phylogenet Evol. 2011 Dec;61(3):924-32. doi: 10.1016/j.ympev.2011.08.027. Epub 2011 Sep 10.

Abstract

Cytosolic glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are a large and diverse gene family in insects. They are classified into six major subclasses. Sigma, Omega, Zeta, and Theta have representatives across Metazoa while Delta and Epsilon are specific to Insecta and Holometabola, respectively. In this study, GSTs are assigned to a subclass by a combination of literature, phylogenetic, and genomic evidence. Moreover, it is confirmed that GSTs frequently cluster by genomic position as a result of recent gene expansions. These expansions are largely explained by the number of protein-coding genes in the genome, although life history is another contributing factor.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Genome, Insect / genetics*
  • Glutathione Transferase / classification
  • Glutathione Transferase / genetics*
  • Insecta / enzymology*
  • Insecta / genetics*
  • Multigene Family / genetics*
  • Phylogeny
  • Proteome / genetics

Substances

  • Proteome
  • Glutathione Transferase