The Hidden Role of Hydrogen Sulfide Metabolism in Cancer

Hydrogen Sulfide (H(2)S), an endogenously produced gasotransmitter, is involved in various important physiological and disease conditions, including vasodilation, stimulation of cellular bioenergetics, anti-inflammation, and pro-angiogenesis. In cancer, aberrant up-regulation of H(2)S-producing enzymes is frequently observed in different cancer types. The recognition that tumor-derived H(2)S plays various roles during cancer development reveals opportunities to target H(2)S-mediated signaling pathways in cancer therapy. In this review, we will focus on the mechanism of H(2)S-mediated protein persulfidation and the detailed information about the dysregulation of H(2)S-producing enzymes and metabolism in different cancer types. We will also provide an update on mechanisms of H(2)S-mediated cancer progression and summarize current options to modulate H(2)S production for cancer therapy.