Gene Expression and Thiol Redox State [2002](IR91)

Gene Expression and Thiol Redox State

By CAROLE KRETZ-REMY and ANDRE-PATRICK ARRIGO

Introduction

Cells have developed sophisticated mechanisms to maintain redox state homeostasis and/or to try to cope with the reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced during oxidative stress. 1'2 These mechanisms either scavenge and/or detoxify ROS, block their production, or sequester transition metals that are a source of free electrons. They include detoxifing enzymes, vitamins C and E, or thiol-containing molecules such as glutathione or thioredoxin. Glutathione exists in either a reduced (GSH) or an oxidized (glutathione disulfide, GSSG) form and participates in redox reactions through the reversible oxidation of its active thiol. In addition, it acts as a coenzyme of numerous enzymes involved in cell defense (i.e., glutathione peroxidases, glutathione S-transferases, thiol transferases, formaldehyde dehydrogenase,

Gene Expression and Thiol Redox State [2002](IR91).png