REVIEW: Glutathione Synthesis in Cancer Cells

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E. V. Kalinina^1,a* and L. A. Gavriliuk¹

¹Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 117198 Moscow, Russia

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received May 23, 2020; Revised June 20, 2020; Accepted June 20, 2020

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Tripeptide GSH is associated not only with the control and maintenance of redox cell homeostasis, but also with the processes of detoxification, proliferation, cell differentiation, and regulation of cell death. Disruptions in GSH synthesis and changes in the GSH/GSSG ratio are common for many pathological conditions, including malignant neoplasms. Numerous data indicate the importance of GSH and the GSH/GSSG ratio in the regulation of tumor cell viability, in the initiation of tumor development, progression, and drug resistance. However, control of the mechanism of GSH synthesis in malignant tumors remains poorly understood. This review discusses the features of GSH synthesis and its regulation in tumor cells. The role of GSH in the mechanisms of apoptosis, necroptosis, ferroptosis, and autophagy is considered.

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KEY WORDS: de novo GSH synthesis, microRNA, apoptosis, necroptosis, ferroptosis, autophagy

DOI: 10.1134/S0006297920080052

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