Glyoxalase II Proteins and Enzymes

The glyoxalase system consists of two enzymes, Glyoxalase I and Glyoxalase II. The purpose of the glyoxalase system is to detoxify alpha-ketoaldehydes, particularly methylglyoxal, a by-product of glycolysis. Glyoxalase II catalyzes the hydrolysis of S-lactoylglutathione, the product of the glyoxalase I reaction, to glutathione and lactate. Glyoxalase II exists as two isoforms, one cytosolic and one mitochondrial. The enzyme is believed to be important for the response of cells to stress.