gammaglutamylocysteinylglycyna

Gammaglutamylcysteinylglycine is a tripeptide, meaning it is composed of three amino acids linked together. Specifically, it is formed from glutamic acid, cysteine, and glycine. The "gamma" in its name refers to the linkage between the gamma-carboxyl group of glutamic acid and the amino group of cysteine, distinguishing it from a standard peptide bond which forms between the alpha-carboxyl and alpha-amino groups.

This tripeptide is a naturally occurring compound found in various biological systems. It is an intermediate in the synthesis of glutathione, a crucial antioxidant and detoxifying agent in cells. The enzyme gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase catalyzes the transfer of the gamma-glutamyl group from glutathione to an amino acid or peptide, and in the context of glutathione metabolism, gammaglutamylcysteinylglycine can be formed as a transient intermediate. Its presence is therefore closely linked to the cellular machinery involved in managing oxidative stress and metabolizing xenobiotics. While not as well-known as glutathione itself, its role as a precursor highlights its importance in cellular health and function.