the reaction of DHAR proceeds by a bi-uni-uni-uniping-pong enzymatic mechanism. In step 1, the DHA molecule is bound to the catalytic cysteine residue of the reduced form of DHAR (DHAR-S-) and is reduced to ascorbate. This reduction involves nucleophilic attack by the catalytic cysteine residue and the formation of cysteine sulfenic acid (sulfenylated DHAR, DHAR-SOH). In step 2, the reactive sulfenic acid at the catalytic cysteine residue reacts with GSH bound at the G-site and generates the mixed disulfide (DHAR-S-SG). Subsequently, the second GSH molecule binds to the H-site and may be deprotonated to GS-. Then, the GSH bound with the catalytic cysteine residue is removed by the nucleophilic attack of GS- at the H-site. As a result, a catalytic cysteine residue is reduced and one molecule of glutathione disulfide (GSSG) is released (step 3). Unlike most other GSTs, DHARs have an active-site cysteine in place of serine, and rather than stabilizing the thiolate anion of GSH (GS-), this change confers the capacity for reversible disulfide bond formation with GSH as part of the catalytic mechanism
while the reduction of dehydroascorbate (DHA) to ascorbate can occur chemically at significant rates, DHAR is able to accelerate the reaction, in both cases reduced glutathione (GSH) is used as the reductant
isozymes can occur in chloroplast, mitochondrion, cytosol, and peroxisome. DHA generated in cellular compartments lacking DHAR may be transported to the cytosol for re-reduction through plasma membrane carriers
DHA reductase (DHAR) belongs to the glutathione S-transferase (GST) superfamily. Unlike most other GSTs, DHARs have an active-site cysteine in place of serine, and rather than stabilizing the thiolate anion of GSH (GS-), this change confers the capacity for reversible disulfide bond formation with GSH as part of the catalytic mechanism
the ascorbate-glutathione pathway is recognized to be a key player in H2O2 metabolism, in which reduced glutathione (GSH) regenerates ascorbate by reducing dehydroascorbate (DHA), either chemically or via DHA reductase (DHAR). Importance of DHAR in coupling the ascorbate and glutathione pools with H2O2 metabolism, together with its functions in plant defense, growth, and development. The ascorbate-glutathione (or Foyer-Halliwell-Asada) pathway plays a central role in H2O2 detoxification in plants and operates in the cytosol, chloroplasts, mitochondria and peroxisomes. Although GSH oxidation is potentially mediated by some glutathione-transferases (GSTs) and peroxiredoxins (PRXs), DHAR is identified as being a key player in ensuring GSH oxidation during oxidative stress
pivotal function of dehydroascorbate reductase in glutathione homeostasis in plants. DHAR is important in maintaining the ascorbate pool and its redox state. Although some GSTs and peroxiredoxins may contribute to GSH oxidation, analysis of Arabidopsis dhar mutants has identified the key role of DHAR in coupling H2O2 to GSH oxidation. The enzyme has important roles in ascorbate regeneration and in responses to environmental stress. The enzyme is important in coupling the ascorbate and glutathione pools with H2O2 metabolism
DHARs have a monomeric state that is unlike most GSTs. The enzyme consists of two domains. The N-terminal domain contains residues responsible for GSH binding (the G-site), which is structurally similar to, and has evolved from, the thioredoxin fold, whilst the C-terminal alpha-helical domain provides the majority of the binding site for the hydrophobic substrate (the H-site)