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Glutathione: subcellular distribution and membrane transport 1
Julian Oestreicher1,2, Bruce Morgan1,2
1a Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kaiserslautern, 67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany.
Biochemistry and Cell Biology = Biochimie Et Biologie Cellulaire
|November 15, 2018
Summary
Glutathione transporters are crucial for cellular redox balance, moving glutathione within cells. This review explores known and potential transporters and their role in maintaining glutathione homeostasis across subcellular compartments.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Glutathione (γ-l-glutamyl-l-cysteinylglycine) is a vital tripeptide present in millimolar concentrations across diverse organisms.
- While synthesized in specific cellular compartments (cytosol, plastids), glutathione is found ubiquitously, necessitating transport mechanisms.
- The molecular identity of many glutathione transporters remains elusive, hindering a complete understanding of its cellular distribution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on glutathione transporters and their function.
- To explore the role of glutathione transport in regulating subcellular glutathione redox homeostasis.
- To discuss how emerging tools are advancing our understanding of glutathione distribution and homeostasis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on glutathione transport and homeostasis.
- Analysis of recent advancements in tools and techniques for studying subcellular distribution.
- Discussion of known and putative glutathione transporter families.
Main Results:
- Glutathione transport is essential for maintaining intracellular glutathione pools.
- Evidence suggests glutathione transport actively regulates redox homeostasis within subcellular compartments.
- Significant gaps remain in understanding specific transporter functions and their contribution to homeostasis.
Conclusions:
- Understanding glutathione transporters is key to deciphering subcellular redox homeostasis.
- New research tools are providing critical insights into glutathione distribution and transport.
- Further investigation into specific transporters is needed to fully elucidate their regulatory roles.
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