Cloning and characterization of the human glutathione synthetase 5'-flanking region.

GSH synthesis occurs through a two-step enzymatic reaction driven by GCL (glutamate-cysteine ligase; made up of catalytic and modifying subunits) and GSS (glutathione synthetase). In humans, oxidative stress regulates GCL expression in an antioxidant response element-dependent manner via Nrf2 [NFE (nuclear factor erythroid)-related factor 2]. In the rat, GSS and GCL are regulated co-ordinately by oxidative stress, and induction of GSS further increases GSH synthetic capacity.