Dear Colleagues,

The topic of this Special Issue is the Glutathione Redox Cycle. γ-L-glutamyl-L-cysteinyl-glycine, also defined as reduced glutathione (GSH), is involved in cell processes required for the maintenance and regulation of the thiol-redox status, while the oxidized glutathione (GSSG) is formed either by catalytic reaction of glutathione peroxidase or by GSH reactions with electrophilic compounds. The production of mixed disulfides is essentially based on the reactivity of cysteinyl residue in the thiolate form, and under oxidative stress glutathionylated cysteine derivative may occur. Glutathione oxidized forms are reduced by enzymatic catalysis of the glutathione reductase and the thioredoxin/glutaredoxin system. Moreover, the glutathione metabolic cycle is worthy of consideration, starting from the biosynthesis performed by the γ-glutamyl-cysteine synthase¹ and the glutathione synthase. The GSH formed can also be converted in L-cysteinyl-glycine and L-glutamate by γ-glutamyltranspeptidase and also the yield 5-oxoproline by a glutathione-specific γ-glutamylcyclotransferase. From these last reactions and with the contribution of other enzymes, glutamate, cysteine and glycine are derived. These amino acids are released into other metabolic pathways or ‘re-used’ into the synthesis of GSH. Furthermore, the glutathione transferases are a superfamily of enzymes able to detoxify the cell catalyzing the nucleophilic attack of GSH to the electrophilic center of many toxic compounds. Finally, the ratio between GSH and GSSG forms represents a main determinant of the redox state of the cell.

We invite you to submit your latest research findings as an article or a review to this Special Issue, which will bring together current research concerning the Glutathione Redox Cycle metabolism and its implication in cellular processes and diseases. Authors are invited to discuss not only the limited biochemical and metabolic examples described above in their publications, but also all aspects concerning the Glutathione Redox Cycle.

We look forward to your contributions.

Dr. Alessio Bocedi
Guest Editor

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•  glutathione
•  oxidized glutathione
•  glutathione metabolism
•  glutathione biosynthesis
•  glutathione homeostasis
•  thiol-redox status
•  disulfide