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The Cell-based L-Glutathione Protection Assays to Study Endocytosis and Recycling of Plasma Membrane Proteins
09:22

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Published on: December 13, 2013

Glutathione and the regulation of cell death

A G Hall1

  • 1Cancer Research Unit, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom.

Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|September 29, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Elevated glutathione and glutathione S-transferases are linked to alkylating agent resistance. Recent discoveries revive interest, highlighting redox balance in cell death and drug transport.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • The link between elevated glutathione (GSH) and glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) and resistance to alkylating agents was established over a decade ago.
  • Research interest in this area had declined, shifting focus to other drug resistance mechanisms.
  • Recent discoveries have reignited interest by implicating redox balance in regulating cell death and transmembrane drug transport.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advances in the study of glutathione and glutathione-utilizing enzymes.
  • To highlight the renewed interest in GSH and GSTs in the context of drug resistance and cellular processes.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on recent publications (past 3-4 years).
  • Synthesis of findings related to glutathione, glutathione S-transferases, redox balance, cell death, and drug transport.

Main Results:

  • Glutathione and glutathione S-transferases play a significant role in alkylating agent resistance.
  • Redox balance is increasingly recognized as a key regulator of crucial cellular functions.
  • Advances in understanding transmembrane drug transport are linked to redox status.

Conclusions:

  • The study of glutathione and its associated enzymes remains relevant for understanding drug resistance.
  • Redox balance is a critical factor influencing cell fate and drug efficacy.
  • Further research into these pathways may yield new therapeutic strategies.

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