GLUTATHIONE CONJUGATES AND THEIR SYNTHETIC DERIVATIVES AS INHIBITORS OF GLUTATHIONE-DEPENDENT ENZYMES INVOLVED IN CANCER AND DRUG RESISTANCE

Abstract

Alterations in levels of glutathione (GSH) and glutathione-dependent enzymes have been implicated in cancer and multidrug resistance of tumor cells. The activity of a number of these, the multidrug resistance-associated protein 1, glutathione S-transferase, DNA-dependent protein kinase, glyoxalase I, and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, can be inhibited by GSH-conjugates and synthetic analogs thereof. In this review we focus on the function of these enzymes and carriers in cancer and anti-cancer drug resistance, in relation to their inhibition by GSH-conjugate analogs.

Key Words :

• GSH
• GST
• MRP1
• γGT
• DNA-PK