Function
Glyoxalase (GLO) is part of the glyoxalase system which detoxifies the highly toxic methylglyoxal and other aldehydes produced by metabolism[1].
- GLO1 or lactoylglutathione lyase catalyzes the conversion of glutathione and methylglyoxal to lactoylglutathione.
- GLO2 is a metalloenzyme which catalyzes the hydrolysis of lactoylglutathione to glutathione and lactate. GLO2 exists as cytosolic and mitochondrial forms. For details on GLO2 see Leishmania infantum Glyoxalase II.
Relevance
GLO1 is a target for drugs against bacteria, protozoans and cancer[2]. The GLO system is a focus of research on metabolic control and prevention of vascular complications in diabetes and obesity[3].
Structural highlights
[4]. Water molecules are shown as red spheres.
3D structures of glyoxalase
Glyoxalase 3D structures