Ggt1 - gamma-glutamyltransferase 1

This gene encodes gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, a plasmamembrane-associated enzyme that cleaves the peptide bond between gamma-glutamyl and cysteinyl glycine moieties of glutathione. The encoded protein is autocatalytically processed to generate an enzymatically active heterodimer comprised of heavy and light chains. Mice lacking the encoded protein grow slowly, develop cataracts and have elevated levels of glutathione in plasma and urine. Transgenic overexpression of the encoded protein in mice enhances osteoclastic bone resorption. The mutant alleles termed 'Dwarf grey' and 'Dwarf grey Bayer' in mice are associated with deletions in this gene. A gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase paralog is located adjacent to this gene. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants. Additional transcripts using alternate promoters and differing in 5' UTRs have been described. [provided by RefSeq, Apr 2015]