Glyoxalase Domain Containing Protein 5 Is Cytosolic, Expressed in Intestinal Epithelium and Renal Tubule Cells

Abstract

Glyoxalase-domain-containing-protein 5 (GLOD5) is the most recent evolutionary divergent of the glyoxalase protein family which is an integral family in the biological response to toxic dicarbonyl molecules, such as methylglyoxal. The characteristic glyoxalase domain of this family does not determine enzymatic function but rather relates glyoxalase proteins throughout evolution. While other glyoxalase proteins have been extensively characterized or linked to various clinical pathologies, GLOD5 remains largely uncharacterized. Only predictions about the enzymatic, molecular, and transcriptional nature of GLOD5 exist, all yet to be substantiated by experimental data. Work presented here reveals previously undefined core properties and characteristics of GLOD5. We show that GLOD5 is exclusively expressed within the intestine and kidney and define it as a predominantly cytosolic protein. We demonstrate that GLOD5 expression is localized to epithelial cells within gastrointestinal mucosa and renal tubules. We highlight sex differences in expression of GLOD5 within the digestive tract. We exclude functional similarity to other glyoxalase cycle proteins, glyoxalase 1 and glyoxalase 2. This work sets the stage for future investigations into GLOD5 and its role in digestive and renal health.