Glutathione (Research Overview)
Glutathione is the tripeptide γ-L-glutamyl-L-cysteinyl-glycine. Its reduced form (GSH) is among the most abundant low-molecular-weight thiols in cells and is a standard reagent in biochemistry laboratories.
Mechanism of Action
The unusual γ-peptide bond between the side-chain carboxyl of glutamate and the amino group of cysteine protects glutathione from most peptidases. The cysteine thiol is the reactive center: two GSH molecules oxidize to glutathione disulfide (GSSG), and the GSH/GSSG ratio is widely used as a measure of cellular redox state.
Glutathione is a substrate for glutathione peroxidases and glutathione S-transferases, enzymes studied in detoxification and redox biology. In vitro it is also used as a reducing agent and in protein refolding buffers.
Research Areas
Laboratory use of glutathione spans redox biology, enzyme assays, cell culture and protein chemistry. Assays include Ellman's reagent (DTNB) methods, enzymatic recycling assays and LC-MS methods that separate GSH from GSSG.
Because GSH oxidizes in air and in solution, handling matters: solutions are usually prepared fresh, kept cold and protected from metal ions that catalyze oxidation.
Specification summary
Glutathione
Glutathione is coming soon to Sealed Peptides. Sizes and pricing are not yet listed; you can ask for one email when it is available. For laboratory research use only.
Related materials
Related compounds
Laboratory background
Education for people working with this material in the laboratory: guides on handling and analysis, definitions of terms, and arithmetic tools. It describes no use of the material.
Guides
Glossary terms
References
- Forman HJ, Zhang H, Rinna A. Glutathione: overview of its protective roles, measurement, and biosynthesis. Mol Aspects Med. 2009;30(1-2):1-12. PMID 18796312 · DOI
- Pastore A, Federici G, Bertini E, Piemonte F. Analysis of glutathione: implication in redox and detoxification. Clin Chim Acta. 2003;333(1):19-39. PMID 12809732 · DOI
- Chai YC, Mieyal JJ. Glutathione and Glutaredoxin-Key Players in Cellular Redox Homeostasis and Signaling. Antioxidants (Basel). 2023;12(8). PMID 37627548 · DOI
Cited literature is provided for scientific context only and does not describe or endorse any use of these products.
For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.