Opposing effects of polysulfides and thioredoxin on apoptosis through caspase persulfidation.

ABSTRACT: Hydrogen sulfide has been implicated in a large number of physiological processes including cell survival and death, encouraging research into its mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential. Results from recent studies suggest that the cellular effects of hydrogen sulfide are mediated in part by sulfane sulfur species, including persulfides and polysulfides. In the present study, we investigated the apoptosis-modulating effects of polysulfides, especially on the caspase cascade, which mediates the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Biochemical analyses revealed that organic or synthetic polysulfides strongly and rapidly inhibit the enzymatic activity of caspase-3, a major effector protease in apoptosis. We attributed the caspase-3 inhibition to persulfidation of its catalytic cysteine. In ap

SUBMITTER: Braunstein I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7076224 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature