Abstract
Background: Hydrogen sulfide (H<sub>2</sub>S), a gasotransmitter, is generated from L-cysteine by mainly 3 enzymes, cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE), cystathionine-β-synthase, and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase in cooperation with cysteine aminotransferase. The H<sub>2</sub>S-forming enzymes, particularly CSE, are overexpressed under the pathological conditions such as inflammation, neuronal or neuroendocrine differentiation and cancer development. Given that Ca<sub>v</sub>3.2 T-type Ca<sup>2+</sup> channels mediate some of the biological activity of H<sub>2</sub>S, we focus on the role of the H<sub>2</sub>S/Ca<sub>v</sub>3.2 pathway in regulating the neuronal and neuroendocrine function. Summary: In the neuronal system, H<sub>2</sub>S regulates the activity of various ion channels including Ca<sub>v</sub>3.2. Exogenous and endogenous H<sub>2</sub>S enhances the Ca<sub>v</sub>3.2 channel activity, promoting somatic and visceral pain signaling. The H<sub>2</sub>S/Ca<sub>v</sub>3.2 pathway also facilitates neuritogenesis or neuronal differentiation. Interestingly, endogenous H<sub>2</sub>S formed by CSE regulates secretory function by enhancing Ca<sub>v</sub>3.2 channel activity in neuroendocrine-differentiated prostate cancer cells or carotid glomus cells. Key Messages: The H<sub>2</sub>S/Ca<sub>v</sub>3.2 pathway may serve as therapeutic targets for treatment of intractable pain, neuronal injury, androgen-independent prostate cancer, cardiovascular diseases, etc.
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