Title:Role of Hydrogen Sulfide and Polysulfides in Neurological Diseases: Focus on Protein S-Persulfidation
Volume: 19
Issue: 6
Author(s): Hai-Jian Sun, Zhi-Yuan Wu, Xiao-Wei Nie and Jin-Song Bian*
Affiliation:
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055,China
Keywords:
Hydrogen sulfide, polysulfides, cysteine, S-Persulfidation, neurodegeneration, central nervous system.
Abstract: Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and hydrogen polysulfides are recognized as important signaling
molecules that are generated physiologically in the body, including the central nervous system
(CNS). Studies have shown that these two molecules are involved in cytoprotection against oxidative
stress and inflammatory response. In the brain system, H2S and polysulfides exert multiple
functions in both health and diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease
(PD), Huntington's disease (HD), memory decline, and glioma. Mechanistically, S-Persulfidation
(also known as S-sulfuration or S-sulfhydration) of target proteins is believed to be a fundamental
mechanism that underlies H2S-regulated signaling pathways. Cysteine S-Persulfidation is an important
paradigm of post translational protein modification in the process of H2S signaling. This model
is established as a critical redox mechanism to regulate numerous biological functions, especially
in H2S-mediated neuroprotection and neurogenesis. Although the current research of S-Persulfidation
is still in its infancy, accumulative evidence suggests that protein S-Persulfidation may share
similar characteristics with protein S-nitrosylation. In this review, we will provide a comprehensive
insight into the S-Persulfidation biology of H2S and polysulfides in neurological ailments and presume
potential avenues for therapeutic development in these disorders based on S-Persulfidation of
target proteins.
