Glutathione synthesis and its role in redox signaling

Glutathione (GSH) is the most abundant antioxidant and a major detoxification agent in cells. It is synthesized through two-enzyme reaction catalyzed by glutamate cysteine ligase and glutathione synthetase, and its level is well regulated in response to redox change. Accumulating evidence suggests that GSH may play important roles in cell signaling. This review will focus on the biosynthesis of GSH, the reaction of S-glutathionylation (the conjugation of GSH with thiol residue on proteins), GSNO, and their roles in redox signaling.

► Glutathione (GSH) is the most abundant antioxidant and a major detoxification agent in cells.
► Glutamate cysteine ligase, which catalyzes the first step in GSH synthetase is regulated by redox signaling.
► Accumulating evidence suggests that GSH plays important roles in cell signaling.
► Protein S-glutathionylation and S-nitrosylation play major roles in redox signaling.