Gene GCLC
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Also known as
GCS, GCL, GLCL, GLCLC, Glutamate-Cysteine Ligase Catalytic SubunitOverview
GCLC (Glutamate-Cysteine Ligase Catalytic Subunit) encodes the catalytic subunit of glutamate-cysteine ligase (GCL), which is the first rate-limiting enzyme in glutathione biosynthesis. Glutathione is the body's primary intracellular antioxidant and plays a critical role in protecting cells from oxidative stress, detoxifying xenobiotics, and maintaining cellular redox balance.The GCLC enzyme catalyzes the ATP-dependent ligation of glutamate and cysteine to form gamma-glutamylcysteine, which is subsequently combined with glycine by glutathione synthetase to produce glutathione. Variants in the GCLC gene can affect enzyme activity and consequently influence glutathione levels in the body.
Reduced GCLC activity has been associated with increased susceptibility to oxidative stress-related conditions, including cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and certain cancers. The gene also interacts with CYBA and other oxidative stress pathway genes to influence overall antioxidant capacity and cellular protection mechanisms.