Table 1.

Criteria for S-Glutathionylation as a Regulatory Mechanism

1. S-Glutathionylation occurs at a discrete site and changes the function of the modified protein.

2. S-Glutathionylation occurs at relatively high GSH/GSSG ratio, i.e. physiological conditions.

3. S-Glutathionylation occurs within intact cells in response to a physiological stimulus, and elicits a physiological response.

4. There is a rapid and efficient mechanism for formation of specific proteins-SSG

5. There is a rapid and efficient mechanism for reversing the S-Glutathionylation reaction.

The table lists criteria for evaluating reports of reversible S-glutathionylation of specific proteins. The criteria serve as a guide for interpreting data on protein-SSG formation as a potential mechanism of regulation of the cellular functions of the glutathionylated proteins. (See text for further explanation).