The role of GSH involved in Selenium absorption and assimilation: Detoxification under Na₂SeO₃ exposure in potato.

Selenium (Se) and its derivatives are widely distributed in soil, oceans, and crops, where excessive exposure can cause pulmonary edema, tachycardia, and organ damage, threatening human health and disrupting ecosystems. Research has focused on the nutritional value of Se, while its absorption, assimilation, and detoxification remain less explored. In this study, we explore the role of glutathione (GSH) in regulating Se accumulation and assimilation in potato. GSH reduced the accumulation of inorganic Se forms (selenate and selenite) while promoting their conversion into organic Se compounds. Mechanistically, GSH mitigates Se toxicity by increasing sulfur content, reducing protein misincorporation, and facilitating the conversion of inorganic Se into less toxic organic forms, including selenocysteine (SeCys) and selenomethionine (SeMet). In addition, the combined application of GSH and Na₂SeO₃ enhances redox homeostasis and alleviates oxidative damage. These findings provide novel insights for GSH-based strategies to minimize Se hazards in food and environmental systems.