Fig. 1.

Triple role of GSTs in the male reproductive tract. The functions of sperm GSTs in detoxification, cell signalling regulation, and allowing fertilisation. Detoxification: electrophilic compounds (EC) react with the reduced nucleophilic thiol group of GSH, in a reaction catalysed by GSTs, forming the reaction product (EC-SG). Cell signalling regulation: GSTs are involved in the regulation of signalling pathways, such as the JNK-C-jun pathway that regulates the apoptosis process. Fertilisation: GSTs mediate sperm–oocyte binding and sperm nucleus decondensation