Mgst2, a member of the MAPEG superfamily, is a microsomal glutathione S-transferase. It is crucial for the production of leukotriene C4, which is key in intracrine signaling related to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, oxidative DNA damage, and cell death. It also participates in the regulation of the oxidative stress pathway [1,2].

In a study with MGST2 gene-deficient mice, the height, width, and volume of the eyeballs in MGST2 KO homozygous mice were significantly greater than those of wild-type mice, indicating a potential role in the development of a subgroup of strabismus, as MGST2 was previously identified as a potential candidate gene for comitant strabismus susceptibility in the Japanese population [3,4]. In another study, coniferyl ferulate was found to alleviate xylene-caused hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell toxicity by targeting Mgst2, especially in neutrophil progenitors, as Mgst2 is preferentially expressed in neutrophil progenitor cells and is involved in mitochondrial metabolic processes [5].

In conclusion, Mgst2 is essential for leukotriene C4 production and oxidative stress regulation. The gene knockout mouse models have revealed its potential roles in strabismus development and in mediating the toxicity-alleviating effect of coniferyl ferulate on hematopoietic cells. These findings contribute to understanding the biological functions of Mgst2 in specific disease areas such as strabismus and xylene-induced hematotoxicity.