Redox regulation of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase

Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol. 2009 Nov;41(5):509-15. doi: 10.1165/rcmb.2009-0169TR. Epub 2009 Aug 14.

Abstract

gamma-Glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) catalyzes the transfer of the glutamyl moiety from glutathione, and glutathione S-conjugates to acceptors to form another amide or to water to produce free glutamate. Functionally, GGT plays important roles in glutathione homeostasis and mercapturic acid metabolism. The expression of GGT is increased as an adaptive response upon the exposure of oxidative stress. The underlying mechanism of this, however, is nebulous, as GGT gene structure is complex and its transcription is usually controlled by multiple promoters that generate several subtypes of GGT mRNAs. Studies reveal that signaling pathways such as Ras, ERK, p38MAPK, and PI3K are involved in the induction of GGT gene expression in response to oxidative stress. Thus, not surprisingly, induction of GGT mRNA subtypes and the involvement of multiple signaling pathways vary depending on cell type and stimuli.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acetylcysteine / metabolism
  • Adaptation, Physiological
  • Animals
  • Binding Sites
  • Enzyme Induction
  • Glutathione / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Lung / enzymology*
  • Mice
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Oxidative Stress* / genetics
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • RNA, Messenger / biosynthesis
  • Rats
  • Signal Transduction* / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Transcription, Genetic
  • gamma-Glutamyltransferase / biosynthesis*
  • gamma-Glutamyltransferase / genetics

Substances

  • RNA, Messenger
  • Transcription Factors
  • gamma-Glutamyltransferase
  • Glutathione
  • Acetylcysteine