What is glutathione?
Glutathione (γ-Glu-Cys-Gly, 307.3 g/mol) is unusual: glutamate is linked to cysteine through its side chain rather than a normal peptide bond. The cysteine thiol makes it an electron donor that neutralises reactive oxygen species and is oxidised to GSSG in the process.
Research status
Glutathione is the subject of extensive research on oxidative stress, detoxification through glutathione S-transferases and redox signalling; the GSH/GSSG ratio is a standard readout.
Handling in the lab
In solution glutathione oxidises in air, so stock solutions are prepared fresh and kept cold and dark; the dry powder is far more stable. Research use only.
