The Role of GSH in Intracellular Iron Trafficking

Evidence is reviewed for the role of glutathione in providing a ligand for the cytosolic iron pool. The possibility of histidine and carnosine forming ternary complexes with iron(II)glutathione is discussed and the physiological significance of these interactions considered. The role of carnosine in muscle, brain, and kidney physiology is far from established and evidence is presented that the iron(II)-binding capability of carnosine relates to this role.

Automated summary

This article reviews the role of glutathione in providing a ligand for the cytosolic iron pool, and discusses the potential formation of ternary complexes with iron(II) glutathione by histidine and carnosine. It also presents evidence that the iron(II)-binding capability of carnosine relates to its role in muscle, brain, and kidney physiology which is not yet established.