S signaling in redox regulation of cellular functions

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

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