Glutathione and its precursors in cancer

Buffering oxidative stress is as a crucial requirement for tumorigenesis. Antioxidant is a term reserved for molecules that quench reactive oxygen species (ROS) and alleviate oxidative stress. The details regarding antioxidant synthesis, their utilization to eliminate ROS, and their ability to promote different stages of tumorigenesis are unclear. Here, we focus on glutathione (GSH), the most abundant antioxidant in the cell, and its precursor amino acids (cysteine, glutamate, and glycine). Even though GSH was discovered more than a century ago, continued research into this antioxidant has provided answers to longstanding questions while also posing new ones.

Automated summary

Buffering oxidative stress is crucial for tumorigenesis, with antioxidants playing a key role in quenching ROS. The details regarding antioxidant synthesis and their impact on tumorigenesis stages are unclear, but research has focused on glutathione as a significant antioxidant with potential implications for cancer development.