S-octylglutathione
Also known as: GSO8, octyl-GSH, S-n-octylglutathione, γ-Glu-Cys(S-octyl)-Gly
Summary
S-octylglutathione (GSO8) is a synthetic, membrane-permeant analog of glutathione in which the thiol group is alkylated with an octyl chain. It is used primarily as a research tool to study glyoxalase pathway inhibition, glutathione-dependent enzyme regulation, and intracellular redox homeostasis. It has demonstrated antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects in cancer cell lines in vitro, but it has not advanced to clinical development.
Mechanism of Action
S-octylglutathione is a cell-permeable glutathione derivative that inhibits glyoxalase I (lactoylglutathione lyase) by acting as a competitive inhibitor, thereby disrupting methylglyoxal detoxification. It also inhibits protein farnesyltransferase and certain glutathione S-transferases, and can modulate intracellular redox signaling by serving as a membrane-permeant glutathione surrogate.
Routes of Administration
Goals & Uses
- Antiproliferative / anticancer activityOncology / ResearchLow
- Protein farnesyltransferase inhibitionEnzyme Inhibition / ResearchModerate
- Glyoxalase I inhibitionEnzyme Inhibition / Biochemical ToolHigh
- Glutathione S-transferase inhibitionEnzyme Inhibition / ResearchModerate
- Intracellular glutathione supplementation modelRedox Biology / ResearchModerate
Contraindications
- Human/clinical useRegulatory / SafetyHigh
Adverse Effects
- Cytotoxicity at high concentrationsIn Vitro ToxicityCommon
- Oxidative stress perturbationRedox DisruptionUnknown
Drug Interactions
No drug interactions recorded yet.
Population Constraints
- All human populationsGeneralAbsolute
Regulatory Status
- European UnionUnapprovedNo marketing authorization; used solely in laboratory research.
- United StatesUnapprovedResearch reagent only; no IND or NDA filed.
- United KingdomUnapprovedNo regulatory approval; research use only.
Not approved by any regulatory agency for clinical use. Used exclusively as a biochemical research reagent. Not classified as an investigational new drug (IND) in any known regulatory jurisdiction.
Evidence & Sources
No sources recorded yet.