Description
Gamma-glutamylcysteine (γ-Glutamylcysteine) is a cysteine and glutamic acid-containing dipeptide that is a precursor to glutathione (GSH). Gamma-glutamylcysteine is a cofactor for glutathione peroxidase (GPx) to increase GSH levels.
Uses
γ-Glu-Cys is used to study the active sites and kinetics of glutathione synthetase(s). It has also been used for the extraction and quantification of low molecular weight thiols from
Arabidopsis tissues.
Definition
ChEBI: A molecular entity formed when L-cysteine amino group binds to the gamma-carbonyl of L-glutamic acid.
Biochem/physiol Actions
γ-L-Glutamyl-L-cysteine (γ-Glu-Cys) is a substrate used for the biosynthesis of L-glutathione by glutathione synthetase(s). γ-Glu-Cys is generated by the cleavage of the Cys-Gly peptide bond of glutathione. It is also essential for the formation of phytochelatins, which are cysteine-rich thiol-reactive peptides.
