Peptide lexicon
Glutathion
Tripeptide γ-glutamyl-cysteinyl-glycine (GSH), the most important low-molecular-weight antioxidant of animal cells.
| Substance class | Peptide |
|---|---|
| Sequence | γ-Glu-Cys-Gly |
| CAS number | 70-18-8 |
| Molecular formula | C₁₀H₁₇N₃O₆S |
| Molar mass | 307.33 g/mol |
| Synonyms | GSH, γ-L-Glutamyl-L-cysteinylglycin |
| PubChem | CID 124886 |
Structure and function
Glutathione links glutamate via its γ-carboxyl group to cysteine and glycine. The cysteine thiol makes it the central redox buffer: it reduces reactive oxygen species and is oxidised to GSSG in the process. It is also the substrate of glutathione S-transferases in detoxification.
Research focus
Glutathione is the subject of extensive research on oxidative stress, redox signalling, detoxification and the GSH/GSSG ratio as a measure of cellular redox state.
Lab note
In solution glutathione oxidises in air; stock solutions should be kept cool, protected from light and prepared fresh where possible.
Literature
- Glutathione as a skin-lightening agent and in melasma: a systematic reviewInt J Dermatol, 2025 · PMID 39444151 · DOI 10.1111/ijd.17535
- Mechanisms of ferroptosisCell Mol Life Sci, 2016 · PMID 27048822 · DOI 10.1007/s00018-016-2194-1
- Glutathione as a skin whitening agent: Facts, myths, evidence and controversiesIndian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol, 2016 · PMID 27088927 · DOI 10.4103/0378-6323.179088
- Exploring the Safety and Efficacy of Glutathione Supplementation for Skin Lightening: A Narrative ReviewCureus, 2025 · PMID 40013212 · DOI 10.7759/cureus.78045
- GlutathioneAnnu Rev Biochem, 1983 · PMID 6137189 · DOI 10.1146/annurev.bi.52.070183.003431
