Defective GCLC causes HAGGSD

In mammalian cells, many antioxidant defence systems exist which protect cells from subsequent exposure to oxidant stresses. One antioxidant is glutathione (GSH), a tripeptide present in virtually all cells that regulates the intracellular redox state and protects cells from oxidative injury. It is metabolised via the gamma-glutamyl cycle, which is catalysed by six enzymes. In man, hereditary deficiencies have been found in five of the six enzymes. Gamma-glutamylcysteine ligase (GCL) catalyses the first and rate-limiting step in GSH biosynthesis. GCL is a heterodimer of a catalytic heavy chain (GCLC) and a regulatory light chain (GCLM). Defects in the catalytic GCLC can cause hemolytic anemia due to gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase deficiency (HAGGSD; MIM:230450), a disease characterised by hemolytic anemia, glutathione deficiency, myopathy, late-onset spinocerebellar degeneration, and peripheral neuropathy.

Summary from Reactome (R-HSA-5578999), read 2026-09-23.