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Theγ-Glutamyl Cycle
Diseases Associated with Specific Enzyme Deficiencies
Abstract
The γ-glutamyl cycle consists of six enzyme-catalyzed reactions that account for the synthesis and degradation of glutathione, a tripeptide that is found in virtually all living cells. It has been proposed that the γ-glutamyl cycle functions in the transport of amino acids across cell membranes. The status of research on the γ-glutamyl cycle is considered. There is evidence that the cycle functions in the kidney and in other tissues. Patients with diseases associated with a deficiency of a specific enzyme of the γ-glutamyl cycle have been found, and the nature of the biochemical defects has been explored.
Article and Author Information
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▸From the Department of Biochemistry, Cornell University Medical College, New York, New York.
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▸Requests for reprints should be addressed to Alton Meister, M.D., Department of Biochemistry, Cornell University Medical College, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10021.
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- Received April 22, 1974.
- Accepted June 3, 1974.
