Cystathionine Γ-lyase Protein Research Articles

Pan-inhibition of the three H2S synthesizing enzymes restrains tumor progression and immunosuppression in breast cancer

BackgroundHydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a significant endogenous mediator that has been implicated in the progression of various forms of cancer including breast cancer (BC). Cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS), cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE), and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3MST) are the three principal mammalian enzymes responsible for H2S production. Overexpression of CBS, CSE and 3MST was found to be associated with poor prognosis of BC patients. Moreover, H2S was linked to an immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment in BC. Recently it was observed that BC cells, in response to single or dual inhibition of H2S synthesizing enzymes, develop an escape mechanism by overexpressing alternative sources of H2S generation. Thus, the aim of this work is to escape the H2S compensatory mechanism by pan repressing the three enzymes using microRNAs (miRNAs) and to investigate their impact on the oncogenic and immunogenic profile of BC cells.MethodsBC female patients (n = 25) were recruited. In-silico analysis was used to identify miRNAs targeting CBS, CSE, and 3MST. MDA-MB-231 cells were cultured and transfected using oligonucleotides. Total RNA was extracted using Biazol, reverse transcribed and quantified using qRT-PCR. H2S levels were measured using AzMc assay. BC hallmarks were assessed using trans-well migration, wound healing, MTT, and colony forming assays.ResultsmiR-193a and miR-548c were validated by eight different bioinformatics software to simultaneously target CBS, CSE and 3MST. MiR-193a and miR-548c were significantly downregulated in BC tissues compared to their non-cancerous counterparts. Ectopic expression of miR-193a and miR-548c in MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells resulted in a marked repression of CBS, CSE, and 3MST transcript and protein levels, a significant decrease in H2S levels, reduction in cellular viability, inhibition of migration and colony forming ability, repression of immune-suppressor proteins GAL3 GAL9, and CD155 and upregulation of the immunostimulatory MICA and MICB proteins.ConclusionThis study sheds the light onto miR-193a and miR-548c as potential pan-repressors of the H2S synthesizing enzymes. and identifies them as novel tumor suppressor and immunomodulatory miRNAs in TNBC.

Dual targeting of H2S synthesizing enzymes; cystathionine β-synthase and cystathionine γ-lyase by miR-939-5p effectively curbs triple negative breast cancer

IntroductionHydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been recently scrutinized for its critical role in aggravating breast cancer (BC) tumorigenicity. Several cancers aberrantly express H2S synthesizing enzymes; Cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE). However, their levels and interdependence in BC require further studies. ObjectivesFirstly, this study aimed to demonstrate a comparative expression profile of H2S synthesizing enzymes in BC vs normal tissue. Moreover, to investigate the reciprocal relationship between CBS and CSE and highlight the importance of dual targeting. Finally, to search for a valid dual repressor of the H2S synthesizing enzymes that could cease H2S production and reduce TNBC pathogenicity. MethodsPairwise analysis of tumor vs. normal tissues of 40 BC patients was carried out. The TNBC cell line MDA-MB-231 was transfected with oligonucleotides to study the H2S mediated molecular mechanisms. In silico screening was performed to identify dual regulator(s) for CBS and CSE. Gene expression analysis was performed using qRT-PCR and was confirmed on protein level using Western blot. TNBC hallmarks were evaluated using MTT, migration, and clonogenicity assays. H2S levels were detected using a AzMc fluorescent probe. ResultsBC tissues exhibited elevated levels of both CBS and CSE. Interestingly, upon CBS knockdown, CSE levels increased compensating for H2S production in TNBC cells, underlining the importance of dually targeting both enzymes in TNBC. In silico screening suggested miR-939-5p as a regulator of both CBS and CSE with high binding scores. Low expression levels of miR-939-5p were found in BC tissues, especially the aggressive subtypes. Ectopic expression of miR-939-5p significantly repressed CBS and CSE transcript and protein levels, diminished H2S production and attenuated TNBC hallmarks. Moreover, it improved the immune surveillance potency of TNBC cells through up regulating the NKG2D ligands, MICB and ULBP2 and reducing the immune suppressive cytokine IL-10. ConclusionThis study sheds light on the reciprocal relationship between CBS and CSE and on the importance of their dual targeting, particularly in TNBC. It also postulates miR-939-5p as a potent dual repressor for CBS and CSE overcoming their redundancy in H2S production, a mechanism that can potentially attenuate TNBC oncogenicity and improves the immunogenic response.

Hepatic hydrogen sulfide levels are reduced in mouse model of Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome.

Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is a rare human disease characterised by accelerated biological ageing. Current treatments are limited, and most patients die before 15 years of age. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an important gaseous signalling molecule that it central to multiple cellular homeostasis mechanisms. Dysregulation of tissue H2S levels is thought to contribute to an ageing phenotype in many tissues across animal models. Whether H2S is altered in HGPS is unknown. We investigated hepatic H2S production capacity and transcript, protein and enzymatic activity of proteins that regulate hepatic H2S production and disposal in a mouse model of HGPS (G609G mice, mutated Lmna gene equivalent to a causative mutation in HGPS patients). G609G mice were maintained on either regular chow (RC) or high fat diet (HFD), as HFD has been previously shown to significantly extend lifespan of G609G mice, and compared to wild type (WT) mice maintained on RC. RC fed G609G mice had significantly reduced hepatic H2S production capacity relative to WT mice, with a compensatory elevation in mRNA transcripts associated with several H2S production enzymes, including cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE). H2S levels and CSE protein were partially rescued in HFD fed G609G mice. As current treatments for patients with HGPS have failed to confer significant improvements to symptoms or longevity, the need for novel therapeutic targets is acute and the regulation of H2S through dietary or pharmacological means may be a promising new avenue for research.

Role of Cystathionine β-Synthase and 3-Mercaptopyruvate Sulfurtransferase in the Regulation of Proliferation, Migration, and Bioenergetics of Murine Breast Cancer Cells

Cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), CSE (cystathionine γ-lyase) and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MST) have emerged as three significant sources of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in various forms of mammalian cancer. Here, we investigated the functional role of CBS' and 3-MST's catalytic activity in the murine breast cancer cell line EO771. The CBS/CSE inhibitor aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA) and the 3-MST inhibitor 2-[(4-hydroxy-6-methylpyrimidin-2-yl)sulfanyl]-1-(naphthalen-1-yl)ethan-1-one (HMPSNE) were used to assess the role of endogenous H2S in the modulation of breast cancer cell proliferation, migration, bioenergetics and viability in vitro. Methods included measurements of cell viability (MTT and LDH assays), cell proliferation and in vitro wound healing (IncuCyte) and cellular bioenergetics (Seahorse extracellular flux analysis). CBS and 3-MST, as well as expression were detected by Western blotting; H2S production was measured by the fluorescent dye AzMC. The results show that EO771 cells express CBS, CSE and 3-MST protein, as well as several enzymes involved in H2S degradation (SQR, TST, and ETHE1). Pharmacological inhibition of CBS or 3-MST inhibited H2S production, suppressed cellular bioenergetics and attenuated cell proliferation. Cell migration was only inhibited by the 3-MST inhibitor, but not the CBS/CSE inhibitor. Inhibition of CBS/CSE of 3-MST did not significantly affect basal cell viability; inhibition of 3-MST (but not of CBS/CSE) slightly enhanced the cytotoxic effects of oxidative stress (hydrogen peroxide challenge). From these findings, we conclude that endogenous H2S, generated by 3-MST and to a lower degree by CBS/CSE, significantly contributes to the maintenance of bioenergetics, proliferation and migration in murine breast cancer cells and may also exert a minor role as a cytoprotectant.

Galangin protects gastric mucosa from indomethacin induced injury via scavenging ROS and inhibition of PKC, Akt, and NF κB protein expressions

Purpose: To investigate the mechanism of action of galangin (GAL) against indomethacin (Indo)-induced gastric injury.
 Methods: Ten micromolar GAL with 2 mM Indo or 0.5 mM L-NAME or 2 mM propargylglycine were co-administered to human gastric mucosal epithelial cells GES-1 for 24 h. Cell viability assay and reactive oxygen species (ROS) test were conducted with commercial kits. Protein expressions of constitutive and inducible nitric oxide synthase (cNOS and iNOS, respectively), and cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) in GSE-1 cells were investigated by western blot. After 100 - 300 mg/kg, GAL was daily administered to rats for 5 days, and 30 mg/kg Indo was administered to induce gastric injury. Protein expressions of endothelial NOS (eNOS), iNOS, CSE, nuclear factor (NF)-κB, PKC, Akt, phospho-eNOS (Ser-1177), and phospho-eNOS (Thr-495) were investigated by western blot.
 Results: Galangin ameliorated the proliferative inhibitions of Indo, propargylglycine, and L-NAME on GSE-1 cells (p < 0.05), rapidly scavenged ROS, and increased cNOS protein expressions (p < 0.05). Galangin (300 mg/kg) inhibited protein expressions of iNOS (p < 0.01), NF-κB, Akt, and PKC (p < 0.05), inhibited the Ser-1177 and Thr 495 phosphorylation of eNOS, elevated eNOS and CSE protein expressions (p < 0.001).
 Conclusion: Galangin protects gastric mucosa from Indo by scavenging ROS and inhibiting protein expressions of Akt and PKC. The inhibition leads to Ser-1177 and Thr 495 dephosphorylation of eNOS, thereby prolonging eNOS activity. Besides, GAL inhibits iNOS-produced NO by inhibiting NF-κB to ameliorate the inflammatory reaction induced by Indo.

Exogenous hydrogen sulfide restores CSE and CBS but no 3-MST protein expression in the hypothalamus and brainstem after severe traumatic brain injury.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a gasotransmitter endogenously synthesized by cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE), cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS), and 3-mercaptopiruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MST) enzymes. H2S exogenous administration prevents the development of hemodynamic impairments after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Since the hypothalamus and the brainstem highly regulate the cardiovascular system, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of NaHS subchronic treatment on the changes of H2S-sythesizing enzymes in those brain areas after TBI and in physiological conditions. For that purpose, animals were submitted to a lateral fluid percussion injury, and the changes in CBS, CSE, and 3-MST protein expression were measured by western blot at days 1, 2, 3, 7, and 28 in the vehicle group, and 7 and 28days after NaHS treatment. After severe TBI induction, we found a decrease in CBS and CSE protein expression in the hypothalamus and brainstem; meanwhile, 3-MST protein expression diminished only in the hypothalamus compared to the Sham group. Remarkably, i.p. daily injections of NaHS, an H2S donor, (3.1mg/kg) during seven days: (1) restored CBS and CSE but no 3-MST protein expression in the hypothalamus at day 28 post-TBI; (2) reestablished only CSE in brainstem 7 and 28days after TBI; and (3) did not modify H2S-sythesizing enzymes protein expression in uninjured animals. Mainly, our results show that the NaHS effect on CBS and CSE protein expression is observed in a time- and tissue-dependent manner with no effect on 3-MST expression, which may suggest a potential role of H2S synthesis in hypothalamus and brainstem impairments observed after TBI.

Roles of the RhoA-ROCK Signaling Pathway in the Endothelial H2S Production and Vasodilation in Rat Cerebral Arteries.

Cerebral endothelial H2S protects against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury through vasodilation, but its cerebral vasodilation mechanism and regulation of production are poorly understood. The RhoA-ROCK pathway plays important roles in vascular function. In this study, the roles of this pathway in the endothelial H2S production and vasodilation in rat cerebral arteries were investigated. Acetylcholine significantly increased H2S-generating enzyme cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MST) protein expressions and H2S production in rat cerebrovascular endothelial cells (ECs), but the increases were markedly decreased by the M receptor blocker atropine or the CSE inhibitor dl-propargylglycine. Pretreatment with dl-propargylglycine or the 3-MST inhibitor l-aspartic acid markedly reduced the acetylcholine-increased H2S; CSE protein expression and H2S levels in the ECs were obviously attenuated by the RhoA agonist U46619 but increased by the RhoA inhibitor C3 transferase. U46619 also reduced 3-MST protein expression; Acetylcholine markedly inhibited RhoA protein expression and activity, but the inhibition was obviously reversed by atropine, dl-propargylglycine, and l-aspartic acid, respectively; Acetylcholine-induced endothelium-dependent vasodilation in rat cerebral basilar artery was significantly attenuated by pretreatment with dl-propargylglycine or l-aspartic acid or RhoA inhibitor CCG-1423 or ROCK inhibitor KD025, and was further decreased by co-pretreatment with dl-propargylglycine (or l-aspartic acid) and CCG-1423 (or KD025); NaHS significantly relaxed rat cerebral basilar artery vascular smooth muscle cells and inhibited ROCK1/2 activities, phosphorylated myosin light chain (MLC) protein expression, and KCl-increased [Ca2+]i, but these relaxation and inhibitions were markedly attenuated by pretreatment with C3 transferase or ROCK inhibitor Y27632. Our results demonstrated that endothelial H2S production is promoted by activation of the M receptor but inhibited by the RhoA-ROCK pathway in rat cerebral arteries; the endothelial H2S induces cerebral vasodilation by inhibiting this pathway to reduce phosphorylation of MLC and [Ca2+]i in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Uremic Toxin Indoxyl Sulfate Impairs Hydrogen Sulfide Formation in Renal Tubular Cells

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is the third gasotransmitter that recognized as a cytoprotectant. Recent study demonstrated that exogenous supplement of H2S ameliorates functional insufficiency in chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, how H2S system is impaired by CKD has not been elucidated. The uremic toxin indoxyl sulfate (IS) is known to accumulate in CKD patients and harm the renal tubular cells. This study therefore treated proximal tubular cells LLC-PK1 with IS to see how IS affects H2S formation. Our results showed that H2S release from LLC-PK1 cells was markedly attenuated by IS when compared to that in control cells. The H2S donors NaHS and GYY-4137 significantly attenuated IS-induced tubular damage by enhancing cell survival in dose-dependent manners. Inhibition of remnant H2S production in the IS-treated cells by AOAA exacerbated tubulotoxicity. These results clearly indicated IS impairs H2S formation. We then examined protein and mRNA expression of H2S-producing enzymes cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE), and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MST). IS downregulated both CBS and 3-MST protein and mRNA expressions after 24-72 h of treatment. CSE protein and mRNA levels were lowered at 24 h and 24-48 h, respectively, by IS. The low expression of CBS and 3-MST at both protein and mRNA levels could be reversed by AhR inhibition. As transcription factor specificity protein 1 (Sp1) regulates gene expression of H2S-producing enzymes, we further showed that IS significantly decreased the DNA binding activity of Sp1, this however did not affect Sp1 protein expression. AhR inhibition reversed low Sp1 activity caused by IS. Together these results, we conclude that IS activates AhR which then attenuates Sp1 function on regulation of H2S-producing enzyme expression. Attenuation of H2S formation contributed to uremic toxin-mediated renal tubular cell damage.

78 Preeclampsia Diminishes Pregnancy-augmented Myometrial H2S Biosynthesis and Myometrial Artery Cystathionine ß-Synthase Expression in Women

An inadequate rise in uterine blood flow in pregnancy can lead to preeclampsia. Endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a potent vasodilator that is synthesized from L-cysteine by cystathionine-β synthase (CBS) and cystathionine-γ lyase (CSE). Enhanced H2S production by selective upregulation of CBS, but not CSE, has been recognized as a uterine artery vasodilator in pregnancy. This study using human myometrial biopsies tests a hypothesis that preeclampsia diminishes pregnancy-augmented uterine artery H2S biosynthesis. Human myometrial biopsies were collected from normal pregnant, severe preeclamptic women, and hysterectomies of nonpregnant women (n = 3-5/group) with IRB approval and written consent. Levels of CBS and CSE mRNAs were assessed by qRT-PCR and their proteins were assessed by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence microscopy. H2S production was determined by methylene blue assay with or without specific inhibitors of CBS (CHH, 1 mM) and CSE (BCA, 1 mM). Myometrial CBS mRNA and protein were greater (p < 0.01) in normal pregnant (P) compared to nonpregnant women (NP). Pregnancy did not change myometrial CSE mRNA and protein. Myometrial H2S production was greater (p<0.05) in P vs. NP women, which was blocked by incubation with CHH or its combination with BCA, but not BCA alone. Compared to normal pregnant subjects, preeclampsia reduced myometrial CBS mRNA, protein, and H2S production to levels comparable to that of nonpregnant women. Immunofluorescence microscopy identified CBS and CSE protein localization in the myocytes, endothelium, and smooth muscle of myometrial arteries. Quantitation of the immunoreactive CBS and CSE signals showed greater CBS, but not CSE protein in P vs. NP myocytes and myometrial artery endothelium and smooth muscle, while preeclampsia reduced CBS protein levels to that in nonpregnant controls, without changing CSE protein in these cells. Pregnancy augments myometrial myocyte and myometrial artery endothelial and smooth muscle CBS expression. CBS expression and H2S production are significantly downregulated in severe preeclampsia.

The effect of fluid shear stress in hydrogen sulphide production and cystathionine γ-lyase expression in human early endothelial progenitor cells.

BackgroundPhysiological fluid shear stress has been shown to have a beneficial impact on vascular homeostasis. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) make a significant contribution to maintaining endothelial integrity. Therefore, we hypothesised that shear stress-induced endothelium protection plays a role in hydrogen sulphide (H2S) production and up-regulation of cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) expression in EPCs.MethodsHuman EPC-derived CSE activity was detected by colorimetric assay, and H2S production was evaluated by membrane adsorption method. Cell proliferation, migration, and adhesion were assessed by MTT, Transwell, and endothelial cell-mediated adhesion assays, respectively. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was carried out to analyse gene expression. Protein expression was analysed by western blot.ResultsHuman EPCs were treated with shear stress levels of 5–25 dyn/cm2 for up to 3 h, and 25 dyn/cm2 for up to 24 h. H2S production and CSE mRNA expression in the EPCs were increased by shear stress in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. Likewise, time-dependent shear stress also significantly enhanced CSE protein expression. Compared to static condition, shear stress improved EPCs proliferation, migration and adhesion capacity. Knockdown of CSE expression by small interfering RNA substantially eliminated the shear stress-induced above functions of human EPCs in vitro.ConclusionsThis study gives new insight into the regulatory effect of physiological shear stress on the CSE/H2S system in human EPCs. Our findings may contribute to the development of vascular protective research, although the relevant evidence is admittedly indirect.

Enhanced Stromal Cell CBS-H2S Production Promotes Estrogen-Stimulated Human Endometrial Angiogenesis.

Angiogenesis is a physiological process for endometrial regeneration in the menstrual cycle and remodeling during pregnancy. Endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S), produced by cystathionine-β synthase (CBS) and cystathionine-γ lyase (CSE), is a potent proangiogenic factor; yet, whether the H2S system is expressed in the endometrium and whether H2S plays a role in endometrial angiogenesis are unknown. This study was to test whether estrogens stimulate endometrial H2S biosynthesis to promote endometrial microvascular endothelial cell (EMEC) angiogenesis. CBS messenger RNA/protein and H2S production significantly differed among endometria from postmenopausal (POM), premenopausal secretory (sPRM), and proliferative (pPRM) nonpregnant (NP) and pregnant (Preg) women (P < .05) in a rank order of POM approximately equal to sPRM is less than pPRM is less than Preg, positively correlating with angiogenesis indices and endogenous estrogens and with no difference in CSE expression. CBS and CSE proteins were localized to stroma, glands, and vessels in endometrium, and greater stromal CBS protein was observed in the pPRM and Preg states. Estradiol-17β (E2) (but not progesterone) stimulated CBS (but not CSE) expression and H2S production in pPRM endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) in vitro, which were attenuated by ICI 182 780. The H2S donor sodium hydrosulfide promoted in vitro EMEC angiogenesis. Co-culture with sPRM, pPRM, and Preg ESCs all stimulated EMEC migration with a rank order of sPRM less than pPRM approximately equal to Preg. CBS (but not CSE) inhibition attenuated ESC-stimulated EMEC migration. E2 did not affect EMEC migration but potentiated ESC-stimulated EMEC migration. Altogether, estrogens stimulate specific receptor-dependent stromal CBS-H2S production to promote endometrial EMEC angiogenesis in women.

CD4 + T-Cell Endogenous Cystathionine γ Lyase–Hydrogen Sulfide Attenuates Hypertension by Sulfhydrating Liver Kinase B1 to Promote T Regulatory Cell Differentiation and Proliferation

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has antihypertension and anti-inflammatory effects, and its endogenous-generation key enzyme cystathionine γ lyase (CSE) is expressed in CD4+ T cells. However, the role of CD4+ T-cell endogenous CSE/H2S in the development of hypertension is unclear. Peripheral blood lymphocytes were isolated from hypertensive patients or spontaneously hypertensive rats, then H2S production and expression of its generation enzymes, cystathionine β synthase and CSE, were measured to determine the major H2S generation system changes in hypertension. Mice with CSE-specific knockout in T cells (conditional knockout, by CD4cre mice hybridization) and CD4 null mice were generated for investigating the pathophysiological relevance of the CSE/H2S system. In lymphocytes, H2S from CSE, but not cystathionine β synthase, responded to blood pressure changes, supported by lymphocyte CSE protein changes and a negative correlation between H2S production with systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure, but positive correlation with the serum level of interleukin 10 (an anti-inflammatory cytokine). Deletion of CSE in T cells elevated BP (5-8 mm Hg) under the physiological condition and exacerbated angiotensin II-induced hypertension. In keeping with hypertension, mesenteric artery dilation impaired association with arterial inflammation, an effect attributed to reduced immunoinhibitory T regulatory cell (Treg) numbers in the blood and kidney, thus causing excess CD4+ and CD8+ T cell infiltration in perivascular adipose tissues and kidney. CSE knockout CD4+ T cell transfer into CD4 null mice, also showed the similar phenotypes' confirming the role of endogenous CSE/H2S action. Adoptive transfer of Tregs (to conditional knockout mice) reversed hypertension, vascular relaxation impairment, and immunocyte infiltration, which confirmed that conditional knockout-induced hypertension was attributable, in part, to the reduced Treg numbers. Mechanistically, endogenous CSE/H2S promoted Treg differentiation and proliferation by activating AMP-activated protein kinase. In part, it depended on activation of its upstream kinase, liver kinase B1, by sulfhydration to facilitate its substrate binding and phosphorylation. The constitutive sulfhydration of liver kinase B1 by CSE-derived H2S activates its target kinase, AMP-activated protein kinase, and promotes Treg differentiation and proliferation, which attenuates the vascular and renal immune-inflammation, thereby preventing hypertension.

Estrogen Regulates Local Cysteine Metabolism in Mouse Myometrium.

Sulfur amino acid metabolism influences reproductive physiology, and transsulfuration in particular may be critical for normal cellular function. The sex hormone estrogen (E2) modulates gene expression and redox balance in some tissues by inducing the transsulfuration enzymes cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE). The role of sex hormones in sulfur amino acid metabolism by uterine smooth muscle is not known. Here, we show that CBS and CSE proteins increase in the mouse myometrium during estrus and diestrus, respectively, suggesting that E2 reciprocally regulates myometrial CBS and CSE expression. In ovariectomized mice, exogenous E2 upregulates CBS and downregulates CSE levels. E2 promotes CBS mRNA and protein expression but attenuates CSE protein expression without affecting CSE mRNA. This pattern of E2-stimulated changes in transsulfuration enzyme expression is specific to the uterine smooth muscle. E2 does not change vaginal or cervical expression of CBS or CSE significantly, and E2 decreases expression of CSE in the liver without affecting CBS. E2 also downregulates myometrial cysteinesulfinic acid decarboxylase (CSAD) and decreases myometrial biochemical synthesis of the gaso-transmitter hydrogen sulfide (H2S). These findings suggest that myometrial sulfur amino acid metabolism may regulate uterine redox homeostasis, with implications for the source and metabolism of myometrial cysteine in high E2 states such as estrus and pregnancy.

Honokiol ameliorates angiotensin II-induced hypertension and endothelial dysfunction by inhibiting HDAC6-mediated cystathionine γ-lyase degradation.

Hypertension and endothelial dysfunction are associated with various cardiovascular diseases. Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) produced by cystathionine γ‐lyase (CSE) promotes vascular relaxation and lowers hypertension. Honokiol (HNK), a natural compound in the Magnolia plant, has been shown to retain multifunctional properties such as anti‐oxidative and anti‐inflammatory activities. However, a potential role of HNK in regulating CSE and hypertension remains largely unknown. Here, we aimed to demonstrate that HNK co‐treatment attenuated the vasoconstriction, hypertension and H2S reduction caused by angiotensin II (AngII), a well‐established inducer of hypertension. We previously found that histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) mediates AngII‐induced deacetylation of CSE, which facilitates its ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. Our current results indicated that HNK increased endothelial CSE protein levels by enhancing its stability in a sirtuin‐3‐independent manner. Notably, HNK could increase CSE acetylation levels by inhibiting HDAC6 catalytic activity, thereby blocking the AngII‐induced degradative ubiquitination of CSE. CSE acetylation and ubiquitination occurred mainly on the lysine 73 (K73) residue. Conversely, its mutant (K73R) was resistant to both acetylation and ubiquitination, exhibiting higher protein stability than that of wild‐type CSE. Collectively, our findings suggested that HNK treatment protects CSE against HDAC6‐mediated degradation and may constitute an alternative for preventing endothelial dysfunction and hypertensive disorders.

Trophoblast H2S Maintains Early Pregnancy via Regulating Maternal-Fetal Interface Immune Hemostasis.

Dysregulated immune hemostasis occurs in unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA). Synthesized by cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE), hydrogen sulfide (H2S) promotes regulatory T-cell differentiation and regulates immune hemostasis; yet, its role in URSA is elusive. To determine if H2S plays a role in early pregnancy and if dysregulated H2S signaling results in recurrent spontaneous abortion. First trimester placenta villi and decidua were collected from normal and URSA pregnancies. Protein expression was examined by immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting. Human trophoblast HTR8/SVneo and JEG3 cells were treated with H2S donors; HTR8/SVneo cells were transfected with CBS ribonucleic acid interference (RNAi) or complementary deoxyribonucleic acid. Cell migration and invasion were determined by transwell assays; trophoblast transcriptomes were determined by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). Wild-type, CBS-deficient, and CBA/J × DBA/2 mice were treated with CBS and CSE inhibitors or H2S donors to determine the role of H2S in early pregnancy in vivo. CBS and CSE proteins showed cell-specific expressions, but only CBS decreased in the villous cytotrophoblast in URSA versus normal participants. H2S donors promoted migration and invasion and MMP-2 and VEGF expression in human placenta trophoblast cells that contain SV40 viral deoxyribonucleic acid sequences (HTR8/SVneo) and human placenta trophoblast cells (JEG3 cells), similar to forced CBS expression in HTR8/SVneo cells. The CBS-responsive transcriptomes in HTR8/SVneo cells contained differentially regulated genes (ie, interleukin-1 receptor and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2) that are associated with nuclear factor-κB-mediated inflammatory response. In vivo, dysregulated CBS/H2S signaling significantly increased embryonic resorption and decidual T-helper 1/T-helper 2 imbalance in mice, which was partially rescued by H2S donors. CBS/H2S signaling maintains early pregnancy, possibly via regulating maternal-fetal interface immune hemostasis, offering opportunities for H2S-based immunotherapies for URSA.

Effects of six weeks consumption of coconut milk oil on vascular functions and fasting blood glucose and lipid profile in middle-aged male rats

Background: Coconut milk consumption in middle-aged male rats can cause increased blood vessel endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) protein expression, and decreased fasting blood glucose.Objective: The present study aimed to investigate whether coconut milk oil (CO), the major constituents of the coconut milk, was responsible for those effects.Methods: CO was isolated from dried fresh coconut milk and gavaged (1 and 3 ml/kg) to middle-aged male rats for 6 weeks. Blood biochemistry, lipid profile and vascular functions were investigated.Results: In comparison to a distilled water control group, no differences were observed in any of the parameters studied in the group fed 1 ml/kg of CO except for an increase in retroperitoneal fat accumulation. Feeding 3 ml/kg of CO caused decreased fasting blood glucose, plasma alkaline phosphatase and blood urea nitrogen and liver cell lipid accumulation, but increased retroperitoneal fat tissue. It also caused decreased maximal contractile response of endothelium-intact thoracic aortic rings to phenylephrine although the effect disappeared in the presence of N-nitro-L-arginine (L-NA) or removal of the endothelium. DL-propargylglycine together with L-NA caused a higher contraction to phenylephrine in the CO-treated groups than in the control group. It also caused an increase in vasodilatation to acetylcholine, but not to glyceryl trinitrate, of the phenylephrine pre-contracted aortic rings. CO treatment caused increased vascular wall eNOS and CSE protein expression.Conclusion: CO at a dose of 3 ml/kg causes some decrease in cardiovascular risk factors in middle-aged male rats, although the amount of CO consumption should be limited as it caused an increase in retroperitoneal fat.

Expression of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-reduced oxidase-4/reactive oxygen species and cystathionine-γ-lyase/hydrogen sulfide in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-related pulmonary hypertension

Objective: To observe the levels of serum reactive oxygen species (ROS) and hydrogen sulfide(H(2)S) in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD), and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-reduced (NADPH) oxidase 4 (NOX4) and cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) in lung tissue of patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: (1) A total of 60 patients with AECOPD admitted to the Department of Respiratory Medicine at Ningxia Hui People's Hospital from November 2015 to December 2016 were recruited. According to the results of pulmonary function and echocardiography, the participants were divided into AECOPD-related pulmonary hypertension (PH) group(A) and AECOPD non-PH group (B).Other 30 healthy subjects were selected as the control group (C).Serum ROS and H(2)S of group A, B and C were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).(2)The lung tissues of patients undergoing lobectomy for lung cancer from November 2012 to April 2017 were collected, who were divided into COPD-related PH group (D), COPD non-PH group (E) and negative control (F). The expression of NOX4 and CSE protein in lung tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry and the thickness of pulmonary arteriole wall was measured. Results: (1)The serum ROS level in group A was higher than group B and C which were (613.52±69.66)IU/ml,(565.76±71.33)IU/ml, (294.63±60.39)IU/ml, respectively with that in group B higher than that in group C (P<0.05). Serum H(2)S level in group A was lower than group B and C, with that in group B lower than group C [(18.59±5.50) nmol/ml, (20.49±4.97) nmol/ml, (38.03±4.43) nmol/ml, respectively P<0.05]. ROS level was positively correlated with pulmonary systolic pressure (PASP) (r=0.59, P<0.05), H(2)S level was negatively correlated with PASP(r=-0.62, P<0.05).(2)The lung tissue expression of NOX4 in group D was higher than group E and F (P<0.05), which were 0.08±0.01,0.06±0.01,0.03±0.01, respectively,while the level of NOX4 in group E was higher than group F (P<0.05). The expression of CSE between group D, E and F were all significantly different (P<0.05),which were 0.03±0.01, 0.07±0.02,0.12±0.02, respectively.(3)Smooth muscle thickness of pulmonary arterioles as a percentage of vascular diameter (WT%) between group D, E and F was all different(P<0.05), which were (40.58±6.63)%,(36.87±5.60)%,(31.27±6.24)%, respectively; so was smooth muscle area of pulmonary arterioles as a percentage of total vascular area(WA%) with (32.33±6.27)%, (30.20±5.28)%, (25.20±4.31)%, respectively (P<0.05). (4)The expression of NOX4 was positively correlated with WT% and WA%, r was 0.81 and 0.66, respectively (P<0.05). The expression of CSE was negatively correlated with WT% and WA%, r was -0.55 and -0.39 respectively (P<0.05). Conclusions: NOX4/ROS and CSE/H(2)S signaling pathways may play an important role in the pathogenesis of COPD related PH.

Comparative localization of cystathionine beta synthases and cystathionine gamma lyase in canine, non-human primate and human retina

Chronic exposure of the retina to light and high concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acid in photoreceptor cells make this tissue susceptible to oxidative damage. As retinal degenerative diseases are associated with photoreceptor degeneration, the antioxidant activity of both hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and glutathione (GSH) may play an important role in ameliorating disease progression. H2S production is driven by cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) and cystathionine-β–synthase (CBS), the key enzymes that also drive transsulfuration pathway (TSP) necessary for GSH production. As it is currently unclear whether localized production of either H2S or GSH contributes to retinal homeostasis, we undertook a comparative analysis of CBS and CSE expression in canine, non-human primate (NHP) and human retinas to determine if these antioxidants could play a regulatory role in age-related or disease-associated retinal degeneration. Retinas from normal dogs, NHPs and humans were used for the study. Laser capture microdissection (LCM) was performed to isolate individual layers of the canine retina and analyze CBS and CSE gene expression by qRT-PCR. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting were performed for CBS and CSE labeling and protein expression in dog, NHP, and human retina, respectively. Using qRT-PCR, western blot, and immunohistochemistry (IHC), we showed that CBS and CSE are expressed in the canine, NHP, and human retina. IHC results from canine retina demonstrated increased expression levels of CBS but not CSE with post-developmental aging. IHC results also showed non-overlapping localization of both proteins with CBS presenting in rods, amacrine, horizontal, and nerve fiber cell layers while CSE was expressed by RPE, cones and Mϋller cells. Finally, we demonstrated that these enzymes localized to all three layers of canine, NHP and human retina: photoreceptors, outer plexiform layer (OPL) and notably in the ganglion cells layer/nerve fiber layer (GCL/NFL). QRT-PCR performed using RNA extracted from tissues isolated from these cell layers using laser capture microdissection (LCM) confirmed that each of CBS and CSE are expressed equally in these three layers. Together, these findings reveal that CSE and CBS are expressed in the retina, thereby supporting further studies to determine the role of H2S and these proteins in oxidative stress and apoptosis in retinal degenerative diseases.

Cystathionine γ Lyase Sulfhydrates the RNA Binding Protein Human Antigen R to Preserve Endothelial Cell Function and Delay Atherogenesis.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), generated by cystathionine γ lyase (CSE), is an important endogenous regulator of vascular function. The aim of the present study was to investigate the control and consequences of CSE activity in endothelial cells under physiological and proatherogenic conditions. Endothelial cell CSE knockout mice were generated, and lung endothelial cells were studied in vitro (gene expression, protein sulfhydration, and monocyte adhesion). Mice were crossed onto the apolipoprotein E-deficient background, and atherogenesis (partial carotid artery ligation) was monitored over 21 days. CSE expression, H2S bioavailability, and amino acid profiling were also performed with human material. The endothelial cell-specific deletion of CSE selectively increased the expression of CD62E and elevated monocyte adherence in the absence of an inflammatory stimulus. Mechanistically, CD62E mRNA was more stable in endothelial cells from CSE-deficient mice, an effect attributed to the attenuated sulfhydration and dimerization of the RNA-binding protein human antigen R. CSE expression was upregulated in mice after partial carotid artery ligation and in atheromas from human subjects. Despite the increase in CSE protein, circulating and intraplaque H2S levels were reduced, a phenomenon that could be attributed to the serine phosphorylation (on Ser377) and inhibition of the enzyme, most likely resulting from increased interleukin-1β. Consistent with the loss of H2S, human antigen R sulfhydration was attenuated in atherosclerosis and resulted in the stabilization of human antigen R-target mRNAs, for example, CD62E and cathepsin S, both of which are linked to endothelial cell activation and atherosclerosis. The deletion of CSE from endothelial cells was associated with the accelerated development of endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis, effects that were reversed on treatment with a polysulfide donor. Finally, in mice and humans, plasma levels of the CSE substrate l-cystathionine negatively correlated with vascular reactivity and H2S levels, indicating its potential use as a biomarker for vascular disease. The constitutive S-sulfhydration of human antigen R (on Cys13) by CSE-derived H2S prevents its homodimerization and activity, which attenuates the expression of target proteins such as CD62E and cathepsin S. However, as a consequence of vascular inflammation, the beneficial actions of CSE-derived H2S are lost owing to the phosphorylation and inhibition of the enzyme.

Analysis of Vascular Hydrogen Sulfide Biosynthesis.

With potent vasodilatory and pro-angiogenic properties, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is now accepted as the third gasotransmitter after nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide. Endogenous H2S is mainly synthesized by cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE). Akin to previous studies showing hormonal regulation of NO biosynthesis, we first reported that uterine and systemic artery H2S biosynthesis is regulated by exogenous estrogens in an ovariectomized sheep model of estrogen replacement therapy, specifically stimulating CBS, but not CSE, expression, in uterine (UA) and mesenteric (MA), but not carotid (CA), arteries in ovariectomized nonpregnant sheep. We have found significantly elevated H2S biosynthesis due to CBS upregulation under estrogen-dominant physiological states, the proliferative phase of menstrual cycle and pregnancy in primary human UAs. Our studies have pioneered the role of H2S biology in uterine hemodynamics regulation although there is still much that needs to be learned before a thorough elucidation of a role that H2S plays in normal physiology of uterine hemodynamics and its dysregulation under pregnancy complications can be determined. In this chapter we describe a series of methods that we have optimized for analyzing vascular H2S biosynthesis, including (1) real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) for assessing tissue and cellular levels of CBS and CSE mRNAs, (2) immunoblotting for assessing CBS and CSE proteins, (3) semiquantitative immunofluorescence microscopy to specifically localize CBS and CSE proteins on vascular wall and to quantify their cellular expression levels, and (4) methylene blue assay for assessing H2S production in the presence of selective CBS and CSE inhibitors.