Ashley A. Untereiner

Decreased Endogenous Production of Hydrogen Sulfide Accelerates Atherosclerosis

Background— Cystathionine &ggr;-lyase (CSE) produces hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in the cardiovascular system. The deficiency of CSE in mice leads to a decreased endogenous H2S level, an age-dependent increase in blood pressure, and impaired endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation. To date, there is no direct evidence for a causative role of altered metabolism of endogenous H2S in atherosclerosis development. Methods and Results— Six-week-old CSE gene knockout and wild-type mice were fed with either a control chow or atherogenic paigen-type diet for 12 weeks. Plasma lipid profile and homocysteine levels, blood pressure, oxidative stress, atherosclerotic lesion size in the aortic roots, cell proliferation, and adhesion molecule expression were then analyzed. CSE-knockout mice fed with atherogenic diet developed early fatty streak lesions in the aortic root, elevated plasma levels of cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, hyperhomocysteinemia, increased lesional oxidative stress and adhesion molecule expression, and enhanced aortic intimal proliferation. Treatment of CSE-knockout mice with NaHS, but not N-acetylcysteine or ezetimibe, inhibited the accelerated atherosclerosis development. Double knockout of CSE and apolipoprotein E gene expression in mice exacerbated atherosclerosis development more than that in the mice with only apolipoprotein E or CSE knockout. Conclusions— Endogenously synthesized H2S protects vascular tissues from atherogenic damage by reducing vessel intimal proliferation and inhibiting adhesion molecule expression. Decreased endogenous H2S production predisposes the animals to vascular remodeling and early development of atherosclerosis. The CSE/H2S pathway is an important therapeutic target for protection against atherosclerosis.

S-Sulfhydration of ATP synthase by hydrogen sulfide stimulates mitochondrial bioenergetics

Mammalian cells can utilize hydrogen sulfide (H2S) to support mitochondrial respiration. The aim of our study was to explore the potential role of S-sulfhydration (a H2S-induced posttranslational modification, also known as S-persulfidation) of the mitochondrial inner membrane protein ATP synthase (F1F0 ATP synthase/Complex V) in the regulation of mitochondrial bioenergetics. Using a biotin switch assay, we have detected S-sulfhydration of the α subunit (ATP5A1) of ATP synthase in response to exposure to H2S in vitro. The H2S generator compound NaHS induced S-sulfhydration of ATP5A1 in HepG2 and HEK293 cell lysates in a concentration-dependent manner (50-300μM). The activity of immunocaptured mitochondrial ATP synthase enzyme isolated from HepG2 and HEK293 cells was stimulated by NaHS at low concentrations (10-100nM). Site-directed mutagenesis of ATP5A1 in HEK293 cells demonstrated that cysteine residues at positions 244 and 294 are subject to S-sulfhydration. The double mutant ATP synthase protein (C244S/C294S) showed a significantly reduced enzyme activity compared to control and the single-cysteine-mutated recombinant proteins (C244S or C294S). To determine whether endogenous H2S plays a role in the basal S-sulfhydration of ATP synthase in vivo, we compared liver tissues harvested from wild-type mice and mice deficient in cystathionine-gamma-lyase (CSE, one of the three principal mammalian H2S-producing enzymes). Significantly reduced S-sulfhydration of ATP5A1 was observed in liver homogenates of CSE-/- mice, compared to wild-type mice, suggesting a physiological role for CSE-derived endogenous H2S production in the S-sulfhydration of ATP synthase. Various forms of critical illness (including burn injury) upregulate H2S-producing enzymes and stimulate H2S biosynthesis. In liver tissues collected from mice subjected to burn injury, we detected an increased S-sulfhydration of ATP5A1 at the early time points post-burn. At later time points (when systemic H2S levels decrease) S-sulfhydration of ATP5A1 decreased as well. In conclusion, H2S induces S-sulfhydration of ATP5A1 at C244 and C294. This post-translational modification may be a physiological mechanism to maintain ATP synthase in a physiologically activated state, thereby supporting mitochondrial bioenergetics. The sulfhydration of ATP synthase may be a dynamic process, which may be regulated by endogenous H2S levels under various pathophysiological conditions.

Hydrogen Sulfide Impairs Glucose Utilization and Increases Gluconeogenesis in Hepatocytes

Mounting evidence has established hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) as an important gasotransmitter with multifaceted physiological functions. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of H(2)S on glucose utilization, glycogen synthesis, as well as gluconeogenesis in both HepG(2) cells and primary mouse hepatocytes. Incubation with NaHS (a H(2)S donor) impaired glucose uptake and glycogen storage in HepG(2) cells via decreasing glucokinase activity. Adenovirus-mediated cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) overexpression increased endogenous H(2)S production and lowered glycogen content in HepG(2) cells. Glycogen content was significantly higher in liver tissues from CSE knockout (KO) mice compared to that from wild type (WT) mice in fed condition. Glucose consumption was less in primarily cultured hepatocytes isolated from WT mice than those from CSE KO mice, but more glucose was produced by hepatocytes via gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis pathways in WT mice than in CSE KO mice. NaHS treatment reduced the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase, whereas stimulation of AMP-activated protein kinase by 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-d-ribofuranoside reversed H(2)S-impaired glucose uptake. H(2)S-increased glucose production was likely through increased phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase activity. In addition, insulin at the physiological range inhibited CSE expression, and H(2)S decreased insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of Akt in HepG(2) cells. CSE expression was increased, however, in insulin-resistant state induced by exposing cells to high levels of insulin (500 nm) and glucose (33 mm) for 24 h. Taken together, these data suggest that the interaction of H(2)S and insulin in liver plays a pivotal role in regulating insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.

H2S-induced S-sulfhydration of pyruvate carboxylase contributes to gluconeogenesis in liver cells

BACKGROUND Cystathionine gamma-lyase (CSE)-derived hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) possesses diverse roles in the liver, affecting lipoprotein synthesis, insulin sensitivity, and mitochondrial biogenesis. H(2)S S-sulfhydration is now proposed as a major mechanism for H(2)S-mediated signaling. Pyruvate carboxylase (PC) is an important enzyme for gluconeogenesis. S-sulfhydration regulation of PC by H(2)S and its implication in gluconeogenesis in the liver have been unknown. METHODS Gene expressions were analyzed by real-time PCR and western blotting, and protein S-sulfhydration was assessed by both modified biotin switch assay and tag switch assay. Glucose production and PC activity was measured with coupled enzyme assays, respectively. RESULTS Exogenously applied H(2)S stimulates PC activity and gluconeogenesis in both HepG2 cells and mouse primary liver cells. CSE overexpression enhanced but CSE knockout reduced PC activity and gluconeogenesis in liver cells, and blockage of PC activity abolished H(2)S-induced gluconeogenesis. H(2)S had no effect on the expressions of PC mRNA and protein, while H(2)S S-sulfhydrated PC in a dithiothreitol-sensitive way. PC S-sulfhydration was significantly strengthened by CSE overexpression but attenuated by CSE knockout, suggesting that H(2)S enhances glucose production through S-sulfhydrating PC. Mutation of cysteine 265 in human PC diminished H(2)S-induced PC S-sulfhydration and activity. In addition, high-fat diet feeding of mice decreased both CSE expression and PC S-sulfhydration in the liver, while glucose deprivation of HepG2 cells stimulated CSE expression. CONCLUSIONS CSE/H(2)S pathway plays an important role in the regulation of glucose production through S-sulfhydrating PC in the liver. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Tissue-specific regulation of CSE/H(2)S pathway might be a promising therapeutic target of diabetes and other metabolic syndromes.

Decreased Gluconeogenesis in the Absence of Cystathionine Gamma-Lyase and the Underlying Mechanisms.

AIMS To investigate the regulation of hepatic glucose production by cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE)-generated hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in hepatic glucose production under physiological conditions. RESULTS We found that CSE knockout (KO) mice had a reduced rate of gluconeogenesis, which was reversed by administration of NaHS (an H2S donor) (i.p.). Interestingly, isolated CSE KO hepatocytes exhibited a reduced glycemic response to chemical-induced activation of the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)/protein kinase A (PKA) and glucocorticoid pathways compared with wild-type (WT) hepatocytes. Treatment with the inhibitors for PKA (KT5720) or glucocorticoid receptor (GR) (RU-486) significantly reduced H2S-stimulated glucose production from both WT and CSE KO mouse hepatocytes. NaHS treatment upregulated the protein levels of key gluconeogenic transcription factors, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) and CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein-β (C/EBP-β). Moreover, exogenous H2S augmented the S-sulfhydration of the rate-limiting gluconeogenic enzymes and PGC-1α and increased their activities, which were lower in untreated CSE KO hepatocytes. Finally, knockdown of PGC-1α, but not C/EBP-β, significantly decreased NaHS-induced glucose production from the primary hepatocytes. INNOVATION This study demonstrates the stimulatory effect of endogenous H2S on liver glucose production and reveals three underlying mechanisms; that is, H2S upregulates the expression levels of PGC-1α and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase via the GR pathway; H2S upregulates the expression level of PGC-1α through the activation of the cAMP/PKA pathway as well as PGC-1α activity via S-sulfhydration; and H2S upregulates the expression and the activities (by S-sulfhydration) of glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase. CONCLUSION This study may offer clues for the homeostatic regulation of glucose metabolism under physiological conditions and its dysregulation in metabolic syndrome.

Stimulatory effect of CSE-generated H2S on hepatic mitochondrial biogenesis and the underlying mechanisms.

We previously showed that hydrogen sulfide (H2S) upregulates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator (PGC)-1α in primary hepatocytes. PGC-1α is a crucial regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis, a process required to maintain cellular energy homeostasis. We investigated the regulation of hepatic mitochondrial biogenesis by cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE)-generated H2S under physiological conditions. Primary hepatocytes isolated from CSE knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice were used in all experiments. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and mRNA levels were measured via real-time PCR. Protein S-sulfhydration was determined via a modified biotin switch assay. MitoTracker Green was used to quantify mitochondrial content and distribution. CSE-KO hepatocytes produced less mtDNA compared to WT hepatocytes. Mitochondrial content was reduced in CSE-KO hepatocytes compared to WT hepatocytes, which was restored with NaHS (an H2S donor) treatment. CSE-KO hepatocytes exhibited lower levels of mitochondrial transcription factors and the mitochondrial transcription coactivator, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-related protein (PPRC) compared to WT hepatocytes. NaHS administration upregulated PPRC, yet downregulated PGC-1β protein level in mouse hepatocytes. Exogenous H2S induced the S-sulfhydration of PPRC, which was lower in untreated CSE-KO hepatocytes, but not that of PGC-1β. Finally, knockdown of either PGC-1α or PPRC significantly decreased NaHS-stimulated mitochondrial biogenesis in hepatocytes, where knockdown of both genes were required to abolish NaHS-induced mitochondrial biogenesis. Endogenous H2S-induced liver mitochondrial biogenesis is dependent upon PGC-1α and PPRC signaling in primary hepatocytes. This study may offer clues to the regulation of energy homeostasis under physiological conditions as well as mitochondrial dysregulation.

H2S-induced S-sulfhydration of lactate dehydrogenase a (LDHA) stimulates cellular bioenergetics in HCT116 colon cancer cells

Graphical abstract Figure. No Caption available. Abstract Cystathionine‐&bgr;‐synthase (CBS) is upregulated and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) production is increased in colon cancer cells. The functional consequence of this response is stimulation of cellular bioenergetics and tumor growth and proliferation. Lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) is also upregulated in various colon cancer cells and has been previously implicated in tumor cell bioenergetics and proliferation. In the present study, we sought to determine the potential interaction between the H2S pathway and LDH activity in the control of bioenergetics and proliferation of colon cancer, using the colon cancer line HCT116. Low concentrations of GYY4137 (a slow‐releasing H2S donor) enhanced mitochondrial function (oxygen consumption, ATP production, and spare respiratory capacity) and glycolysis in HCT116 cells. SiRNA‐mediated transient silencing of LDHA attenuated the GYY4137‐induced stimulation of mitochondrial respiration, but not of glycolysis. H2S induced the S‐sulfhydration of Cys163 in recombinant LDHA, and stimulated LDHA activity. The H2S‐induced stimulation of LDHA activity was absent in C163A LDHA. As shown in HCT116 cell whole extracts, in addition to LDHA activation, GYY4137 also stimulated LDHB activity, although to a smaller extent. Total cellular lactate and pyruvate measurements showed that in HCT116 cells LDHA catalyzes the conversion of pyruvate to lactate. Total cellular lactate levels were increased by GYY4137 in wild‐type cells (but not in cells with LDHA silencing). LDHA silencing sensitized HCT116 cells to glucose oxidase (GOx)‐induced oxidative stress; this was further exacerbated with GYY4137 treatment. Treatment with low concentrations of GYY4137 (0.3 mM) or GOx (0.01 U/ml) significantly increased the proliferation rate of HCT116 cells; the effect of GOx, but not the effect of GYY4137 was attenuated by LDHA silencing. The current report points to the involvement of LDHA in the stimulatory effect of H2S on mitochondrial respiration in colon cancer cells and characterizes some of the functional interactions between LDHA and H2S‐stimulated bioenergetics under resting conditions, as well as during oxidative stress.

The Role of Carbon Monoxide as a Gasotransmitter in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Regulation

Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced endogenously through the oxidative catabolism of heme by heme oxygenase (HO). First described as a putative neuronal signaling messenger, CO is now also known to be involved in a variety of physio- logical and pathophysiological processes in the cardiovascular system, including regulating blood pressure, smooth muscle cell proliferation, anti-inflammatory, anti- apoptotic, and anti-coagulation effects. CO contributes substantially to the protective effects of HO enzymes as a mediator of cell and tissue protection. The diverse actions of this diatomic gas mainly depend on the stimulation of soluble guanylate cyclase, opening of BKCa channels as well as activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases, and/or Akt signaling pathways. The cellular and molecular consequences of CO signaling are only partially characterized and appear to differ depending on cell types and circumstances. This chapter provides an overview of the many roles CO plays as a gasotransmitter in the cardiovascular system.

Drug resistance induces the upregulation of H2S-producing enzymes in HCT116 colon cancer cells

Graphical abstract Figure. No Caption available. Abstract Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) production in colon cancer cells supports cellular bioenergetics and proliferation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the alterations in H2S homeostasis during the development of resistance to 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU), a commonly used chemotherapeutic agent. A 5‐FU‐resistant HCT116 human colon cancer cell line was established by serial passage in the presence of increasing 5‐FU concentrations. The 5‐FU‐resistant cells also demonstrated a partial resistance to an unrelated chemotherapeutic agent, oxaliplatin. Compared to parental cells, the 5‐FU‐resistant cells rely more on oxidative phosphorylation than glycolysis for bioenergetic function. There was a significant increase in the expression of the drug‐metabolizing cytochrome P450 enzymes CYP1A2 and CYP2A6 in 5‐FU‐resistant cells. The CYP450 inhibitor phenylpyrrole enhanced 5‐FU‐induced cytotoxicity in 5‐FU‐resistant cells. Two major H2S‐generating enzymes, cystathionine‐&bgr;‐synthase (CBS) and 3‐mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3‐MST) were upregulated in the 5‐FU‐resistant cells. 5‐FU‐resistant cells exhibited decreased sensitivity to the CBS inhibitor aminooxyacetate (AOAA) in terms of suppression of cell viability, inhibition of cell proliferation and inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation. However, 5FU‐resistant cells remained sensitive to the antiproliferative effect of benserazide (a recently identified, potentially repurposable CBS inhibitor). Taken together, the current data suggest that 5‐FU resistance in HCT116 cells is associated with the upregulation of drug‐metabolizing enzymes and an enhancement of endogenous H2S production. The anticancer effect of prototypical H2S biosynthesis inhibitor AOAA is impaired in 5‐FU‐resistant cells, but benserazide remains efficacious. Pharmacological approaches aimed at restoring the sensitivity of 5‐FU‐resistant cells to chemotherapeutic agents may be useful in the formulation of novel therapeutic strategies against colorectal cancer.