Back to Search Start Over

Hydrogen sulfide as an oxygen sensor.

Authors :
Olson KR
Source :
Antioxidants & redox signaling [Antioxid Redox Signal] 2015 Feb 10; Vol. 22 (5), pp. 377-97. Date of Electronic Publication: 2014 Jul 30.
Publication Year :
2015

Abstract

Significance: Although oxygen (O2)-sensing cells and tissues have been known for decades, the identity of the O2-sensing mechanism has remained elusive. Evidence is accumulating that O2-dependent metabolism of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is this enigmatic O2 sensor.<br />Recent Advances: The elucidation of biochemical pathways involved in H2S synthesis and metabolism have shown that reciprocal H2S/O2 interactions have been inexorably linked throughout eukaryotic evolution; there are multiple foci by which O2 controls H2S inactivation, and the effects of H2S on downstream signaling events are consistent with those activated by hypoxia. H2S-mediated O2 sensing has been demonstrated in a variety of O2-sensing tissues in vertebrate cardiovascular and respiratory systems, including smooth muscle in systemic and respiratory blood vessels and airways, carotid body, adrenal medulla, and other peripheral as well as central chemoreceptors.<br />Critical Issues: Information is now needed on the intracellular location and stoichometry of these signaling processes and how and which downstream effectors are activated by H2S and its metabolites.<br />Future Directions: Development of specific inhibitors of H2S metabolism and effector activation as well as cellular organelle-targeted compounds that release H2S in a time- or environmentally controlled way will not only enhance our understanding of this signaling process but also provide direction for future therapeutic applications.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1557-7716
Volume :
22
Issue :
5
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Antioxidants & redox signaling
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
24801248
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1089/ars.2014.5930