← Genes & pathways

Gene & pathway reference · FROM DR. PURSER’S TEACHING

GSR

GSR encodes glutathione reductase. It uses reducing power from NADPH to help convert oxidized glutathione back to reduced glutathione, allowing this antioxidant system to be reused.

Based on teaching by Dan Purser, MD. How we prepare these guides

Updated Sep 23, 2026 · Educational reference

THE TEACHING CONNECTION

Recycling used glutathione

Recycling used glutathione

GSR encodes glutathione reductase. It uses reducing power from NADPH to help convert oxidized glutathione back to reduced glutathione, allowing this antioxidant system to be reused.

Putting the pieces together

Dr. Purser’s glutathione teaching connects production, use and recycling. GCLC and GCLM help with production, GPX enzymes use glutathione in peroxide defenses, and GSR supports recycling. This is the pathway context for his emphasis on VARS Glutathione; a GSR marker alone does not measure the current reduced-to-oxidized glutathione balance.

A question to bring to your visit

Are we looking at glutathione production, antioxidant demand or recycling, and what current findings support that concern?

Variant lookup

These names can help you find an entry on your original genetic report. Seeing a name here does not tell you whether it affects your health or whether you need treatment.

Names you may see

Glutathione Reductase