Description
Protein deglycase that repairs methylglyoxal- and glyoxal-glycated amino acids and proteins, and releases repaired proteins and lactate or glycolate, respectively. Deglycates cysteines, arginines and lysines residues in proteins, and thus reactivates these proteins by reversing glycation by glyoxals. Acts on early glycation intermediates (hemithioacetals and aminocarbinols), preventing the formation of advanced glycation endproducts (AGE). Plays an important role in cell protection against oxidative stress and cell death acting as oxidative stress sensor and redox-sensitive chaperone and protease; functions probably related to its primary function. It is involved in neuroprotective mechanisms like the stabilization of NFE2L2 and PINK1 proteins, male fertility as a positive regulator of androgen signaling pathway and cell growth and transformation through, for instance, the modulation of NF-kappa-B signaling pathway. Its involvement in protein repair could explain other unrelated functions. Eliminates hydrogen peroxide and protects cells against hydrogen peroxide-induced cell death. Required for correct mitochondrial morphology and function as well as for autophagy of dysfunctional mitochondria. Plays a role in regulating expression or stability of the mitochondrial uncoupling proteins SLC25A14 and SLC25A27 in dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta and attenuates the oxidative stress induced by calcium entry into the neurons via L-type channels during pacemaking. Regulates astrocyte inflammatory responses, may modulate lipid rafts-dependent endocytosis in astrocytes and neuronal cells. Binds to a number of mRNAs containing multiple copies of GG or CC motifs and partially inhibits their translation but dissociates following oxidative stress. Metal-binding protein able to bind copper as well as toxic mercury ions, enhances the cell protection mechanism against induced metal toxicity