Description
The mammlian enzyme is part of the cell antioxidant defense mechanism. It initiates extracellular glutathione (GSH) breakdown, provides cells with a local cysteine supply and contributes to maintain intracelular GSH levels. The protein also has EC 3.4.19.13 (glutathione hydrolase) activity. The enzyme consists of two chains that are created by the proteolytic cleavage of a single precursor polypeptide. The N-terminal L-threonine of the C-terminal subunit functions as the active site for both the cleavage and the hydrolysis reactions