PI3K, RSK, and mTOR signal networks for the GST gene regulation

Abstract

The induction of glutathione S-transferases (GST) represents not only cell detoxification and survival but also cancer prevention. In response to various extracellular stimuli, expression of the gene has been shown to be regulated coordinately by activating the transcription factors in a transcriptional or posttranscriptional manner. Cytoprotective agents induce GST and concomitantly activate the PI3K-Akt/ERK-RSK1-mTOR pathways that activate the transcription factors favoring cell viability. The mechanistic basis and cell signaling for the induction of GST induction by prooxidants and toxicants may be different from that by cytoprotective agents. This paper summarizes the molecular mechanisms of the transcriptional induction of the GST gene orchestrated by a series of transcription factors that recruit coactivators or corepressors.