Emerging roles of hydrogen sulfide in colorectal cancer

• Published in: Chemico-biological interactions 2024-11, Vol.403, p.111226, Article 111226
• Main Authors: Jiang, Zhi-Liang, Liu, Yi, Zhang, Chuan-Hao, Chu, Ti, Yang, Yi-Lun, Zhu, Yi-Wen, Wang, Yan, Liu, Ya-Fang, Zhang, Yan-Xia, Feng, Zhi-Fen, Ji, Xin-Ying, Wu, Dong-Dong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Colorectal cancer; Endogenous gas transmitter; Hydrogen sulfide; Signal transduction
• ISSN: 0009-2797; 1872-7786; 1872-7786
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2024.111226

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), an endogenous gasotransmitter, plays a key role in several critical physiological and pathological processes in vivo, including vasodilation, anti-infection, anti-tumor, anti-inflammation, and angiogenesis. In colorectal cancer (CRC), aberrant overexpression of H2S-producing enzymes has been observed. Due to the important role of H2S in the proliferation, growth, and death of cancer cells, H2S can serve as a potential target for cancer therapy. In this review, we thoroughly analyzed the underlying mechanism of action of H2S in CRC from the following aspects: the synthesis and catabolism of H2S in CRC cells and its effect on cell signal transduction pathways; the inhibition effects of exogenous H2S donors with different concentrations on the growth of CRC cells and the underlying mechanism of H2S in garlic and other natural products. Furthermore, we elucidate the expression characteristics of H2S in CRC and construct a comprehensive H2S-related signaling pathway network, which has important basic and practical significance for promoting the clinical research of H2S-related drugs. Effects of different concentrations of H2S on colorectal cancer cells.Physiological concentrations of H2S (endogenous H2S or relatively low levels of exogenous H2S) can promote the growth of CRC cells, while too high concentrations of H2S (exogenous H2S or exposure to relatively high concentrations of H2S) can induce CRC cell death. Abbreviations; CBS: Cystathionine β-synthase; CSE: Cystathionine γ-lyase; 3-MST: 3-mercapto pyruvate sulfurtransferase; NaHS: Sodium hydrosulfide; GYY4137: Morpholin-4-ium 4-methoxyphenyl (morpholino) phosphinodithioate. [Display omitted]