Catalase, glutathione S-transferase and thioltransferase respond differently to oxidative stress in Schizosaccharomyces pombe

Abstract

The logarithmically growing Schizosaccharomyces pombe cells were subjected to high heat (40 degrees C), hydrogen peroxide, and heavy metals such as mercuric chloride and cadmium chloride. Then, the stress responses of catalase, glutathione S-transferase and thioltransferase were investigated. The high heat and cadmium chloride enhanced the catalase activity. The glutathione S-transferase activity of S. pombe cells was increased after treatments with heavy metals. The thioltransferase activity of S. pombe cells was completely abolished by mercuric chloride, Hydrogen peroxide caused no effect on the activities of glutathione S-transferase and thioltransferase. These results suggest that the response of S, pombe cells against oxidative stress is very complicated.