H 2 S signaling in redox regulation of cellular functions

• Published in: Canadian journal of physiology and pharmacology 2013-01, Vol.91 (1), p.8-14
• Main Authors: Ju, Youngjun, Zhang, Weihua, Pei, Yanxi, Yang, Guangdong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0008-4212; 1205-7541
• DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2012-0293

Hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) is traditionally recognized as a toxic gas with a rotten-egg smell. In just the last few decades, H 2 S has been found to be one of a family of gasotransmitters, together with nitric oxide and carbon monoxide, and various physiologic effects of H 2 S have been reported. Among the most acknowledged molecular mechanisms for the cellular effects of H 2 S is the regulation of intracellular redox homeostasis and post-translational modification of proteins through S-sulfhydration. On the one side, H 2 S can promote an antioxidant effect and is cytoprotective; on the other side, H 2 S stimulates oxidative stress and is cytotoxic. This review summarizes our current knowledge of the antioxidant versus pro-oxidant effects of H 2 S in mammalian cells and describes the Janus-faced properties of this novel gasotransmitter. The redox regulation for the cellular effects of H 2 S through S-sulfhydration and the role of H 2 S in glutathione generation is also recapitulated. A better understanding of H 2 S-regualted redox homeostasis will pave the way for future design of novel pharmacological and therapeutic interventions for various diseases.