The sibling species Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila simulans differin the expression profile of glutathione S-transferases

Two major forms of glutathione S-transferase are known in Drosophila melano gaster: GST D and GST 2. In the present paper we report the existence of a third major form of glutathione S-transferase in Drosophila simulans. Induc tion with phenobarbital revealed a different regulation of GST between thes e species. Despite the fact that these two species are closely related, the re was a difference in the expression profile of the enzyme implicated in t he detoxification system, suggesting variations in capacity to suit their e nvironment. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.