Glutathione synthetase (or Glutamate–cysteine ligase) (GSS (for Glutathione synthetase), GCL (for Glutamate–cysteine ligase))

“Glutathione synthesis pathway enzymes” refer to the key enzymes responsible for the biosynthesis of glutathione, a tripeptide that serves as a major cellular antioxidant and detoxifying agent. The pathway comprises two main ATP-dependent enzymes: glutamate–cysteine ligase (which catalyzes the formation of gamma-glutamylcysteine from L-glutamate and L-cysteine), and glutathione synthetase (which catalyzes the subsequent condensation of gamma-glutamylcysteine with glycine to produce glutathione). Deficiencies or dysregulation of these enzymes are associated with a range of metabolic, neurological, and oxidative stress–related diseases. Pharmacological targeting of these enzymes alters glutathione availability, affecting redox balance and cell survival[2][3][4].

Other names

Glutathione synthaseGSH synthetasegamma-glutamylcysteine synthase (for GCL)gamma-glutamyl-L-cysteine:glycine ligase (for GSS)

Inhibition of enzyme activity decreases cellular glutathione, leading to increased susceptibility to oxidative stress and cell death Modulation of glutathione biosynthesis as a therapeutic approach for diseases with glutathione dysregulation