Beneficial Effect of H2S-Releasing Molecules in an In Vitro Model of Sarcopenia: Relevance of Glucoraphanin.

Sarcopenia is a gradual and generalized skeletal muscle (SKM) syndrome, characterized by the impairment of muscle components and functionality. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), endogenously formed within the body from the activity of cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE), cystathionine- ß-synthase (CBS), and mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase, is involved in SKM function. Here, in an in vitro model of sarcopenia based on damage induced by dexamethasone (DEX, 1 µM, 48 h treatment) in C2C12-derived myotubes, we investigated the protective potential of exogenous and endogenous sources of H2S, i.e., glucoraphanin (30 µM), L-cysteine (150 µM), and 3-mercaptopyruvate (150 µM). DEX impaired the H2S signalling in terms of a reduction in CBS and CSE expression and H2S biosynthesis. Glucoraphanin and 3-mercaptopyruvate but not L-cysteine prevented the apoptotic process induced by DEX. In parallel, the H2S-releasing molecules reduced the oxidative unbalance evoked by DEX, reducing catalase activity, O2- levels, and protein carbonylation. Glucoraphanin, 3-mercaptopyruvate, and L-cysteine avoided the changes in myotubes morphology and morphometrics after DEX treatment. In conclusion, in an in vitro model of sarcopenia, an impairment in CBS/CSE/H2S signalling occurs, whereas glucoraphanin, a natural H2S-releasing molecule, appears more effective for preventing the SKM damage. Therefore, glucoraphanin supplementation could be an innovative therapeutic approach in the management of sarcopenia.

MPST sulfurtransferase maintains mitochondrial protein import and cellular bioenergetics to attenuate obesity.

Given the clinical, economic, and societal impact of obesity, unraveling the mechanisms of adipose tissue expansion remains of fundamental significance. We previously showed that white adipose tissue (WAT) levels of 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (MPST), a mitochondrial cysteine-catabolizing enzyme that yields pyruvate and sulfide species, are downregulated in obesity. Here, we report that Mpst deletion results in fat accumulation in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) through transcriptional and metabolic maladaptation. Mpst-deficient mice on HFD exhibit increased body weight and inguinal WAT mass, reduced metabolic rate, and impaired glucose/insulin tolerance. At the molecular level, Mpst ablation activates HIF1α, downregulates subunits of the translocase of outer/inner membrane (TIM/TOM) complex, and impairs mitochondrial protein import. MPST deficiency suppresses the TCA cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, and fatty acid oxidation, enhancing lipid accumulation. Sulfide donor administration to obese mice reverses the HFD-induced changes. These findings reveal the significance of MPST for white adipose tissue biology and metabolic health and identify a potential new therapeutic target for obesity.

Escherichia coli tRNA 2-selenouridine synthase SelU selects its prenyl substrate to accomplish its enzymatic function.

Bacterial tRNA 2-selenouridine synthase (SelU) in vitro converts S2U-RNA to its selenium analog (Se2U-RNA) in a two-step process: (i) geranylation of S2U-RNA (with geranyl pyrophosphate, gePP), and (ii) selenation of the resulting geS2U-RNA (with the selenophosphate anion, SePO33-). Using an S2U-containing anticodon stem-loop fragment derived from tRNALys (S2U-RNA) and recombinant SelU with an MBP tag, we found that only geranyl (C10) pyrophosphate is the substrate for this enzyme, while other pyrophosphates such as isopentenyl (C5), dimethylallyl (C5), farnesyl (C15) and geranylgeranyl (C20) are not. Interestingly, methyl (C1)- and C5-, C10-, and C15-prenyl-containing S2U-RNAs (which were chemically obtained) underwent the selenation reaction promoted by SelU, although the Se2U-RNA product was obtained in decreasing yields in the following order: geranyl ≥ farnesyl > dimethylallyl ≫ methyl. Microscale thermophoresis showed an affinity between gePP and SelU in the micromolar range, while the other pyrophosphates tested, such as isopentenyl, dimethylallyl, farnesyl and geranylgeranyl, either did not bind to the protein or their binding affinity was above 1 mM. These results agree well with the in silico analysis, with gePP being the best binding substrate (the lowest relative free energy of binding (ΔG) and a small solvent-accessible surface area (SASA)). These results suggest that SelU has high substrate specificity for the prenylation reaction (only gePP is accepted), whereas there is little discrimination for the selenation reaction. We therefore suggest that only gePP and the geranylated tRNA serve as substrates for the conversion of 2-thio-tRNAs to 2-seleno-tRNAs, as it is found in the bacterial system.

The Expression and Activity of Rhodanese, 3-Mercaptopyruvate Sulfurtransferase, Cystathionine γ-Lyase in the Most Frequently Chosen Cellular Research Models.

This paper provides information concerning the activity and expression levels of three sulfurtransferases (STRs): rhodanese (TST, EC: 2.8.1.1), 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (MPST, EC: 2.8.1.2) and cystathionine γ-lyase (CTH, EC: 4.4.1.1) in various cell lines. Since very limited data are available in the scientific literature on this subject, the available data are included in this paper. These shortages often force the researchers to carry out their own screening tests that allow them to choose an appropriate model for their further studies. This work supplements the existing deficiencies in this area and presents the activity and expression of STRs in the eight most frequently chosen cell lines: the mouse mammary gland cell line (NMuNG, ATCC: CRL-1636), mouse mammary gland tumor (4T1, ATCC: CRL-2539), mouse fibroblast (MEF, ATCC: SCRC-1008), mouse melanoma (B16-F1, ATCC: CRL-6323), human colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2, ATCC: HTB-37), human embryonic kidney (HEK-293, ATCC: CRL-1573), human osteosarcoma (MG-63, ATCC: CRL-1427) and rat myocardium (H9c2, ATCC: CRL-1446). Changes in STRs activity are directly related to the bioavailability of cysteine and the sulfane sulfur level, and thus the present authors also measured these parameters, as well as the level of glutathione (its reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) form) and the [GSH]/[GSSG] ratio that determines the antioxidant capacity of the cells. STRs demonstrate diverse functionality and clinical relevance; therefore, we also performed an analysis of genetic variation of STRs genes that revealed a large number of polymorphisms. Although STRs still provide challenges in several fields, responding to them could not only improve the understanding of various diseases, but may also provide a way to treat them.

A Structurally Novel Lipoyl Synthase in the Hyperthermophilic Archaeon Thermococcus kodakarensis.

Lipoic acid is a sulfur-containing cofactor and a component of the glycine cleavage system (GCS) involved in C1 compound metabolism and the 2-oxoacid dehydrogenases that catalyze the oxidative decarboxylation of 2-oxoacids. Lipoic acid is found in all domains of life and is generally synthesized as a lipoyl group on the H-protein of the GCS or the E2 subunit of 2-oxoacid dehydrogenases. Lipoyl synthase catalyzes the insertion of two sulfur atoms to the C-6 and C-8 carbon atoms of the octanoyl moiety on the octanoyl-H-protein or octanoyl-E2 subunit. Although the hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus kodakarensis seemed able to synthesize lipoic acid, a classical lipoyl synthase (LipA) gene homolog cannot be found on the genome. In this study, we aimed to identify the lipoyl synthase in this organism. Genome information analysis suggested that the TK2109 and TK2248 genes, which had been annotated as biotin synthase (BioB), are both involved in lipoic acid metabolism. Based on the chemical reaction catalyzed by BioB, we predicted that the genes encode proteins that catalyze the lipoyl synthase reaction. Genetic analysis of TK2109 and TK2248 provided evidence that these genes are involved in lipoic acid biosynthesis. The purified TK2109 and TK2248 recombinant proteins exhibited lipoyl synthase activity toward a chemically synthesized octanoyl-octapeptide. These in vivo and in vitro analyses indicated that the TK2109 and TK2248 genes encode a structurally novel lipoyl synthase. TK2109 and TK2248 homologs are widely distributed among the archaeal genomes, suggesting that in addition to the LipA homologs, the two proteins represent a new group of lipoyl synthases in archaea.IMPORTANCE Lipoic acid is an essential cofactor for GCS and 2-oxoacid dehydrogenases, and α-lipoic acid has been utilized as a medicine and attracted attention as a supplement due to its antioxidant activity. The biosynthesis pathways of lipoic acid have been established in Bacteria and Eucarya but not in Archaea Although some archaeal species, including Sulfolobus, possess a classical lipoyl synthase (LipA) gene homolog, many archaeal species, including T. kodakarensis, do not. In addition, the biosynthesis mechanism of the octanoyl moiety, a precursor for lipoyl group biosynthesis, is also unknown for many archaea. As the enzyme identified in T. kodakarensis most likely represents a new group of lipoyl synthases in Archaea, the results obtained in this study provide an important step in understanding how lipoic acid is synthesized in this domain and how the two structurally distinct lipoyl synthases evolved in nature.

H2S-stimulated bioenergetics in chicken erythrocytes and the underlying mechanism.

The production of H2S and its effect on bioenergetics in mammalian cells may be evolutionarily preserved. Erythrocytes of birds, but not those of mammals, have a nucleus and mitochondria. In the present study, we report the endogenous production of H2S in chicken erythrocytes, which was mainly catalyzed by 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfur transferase (MST). ATP content of erythrocytes was increased by MST-generated endogenous H2S under normoxic, but not hypoxic, conditions. NaHS, a H2S salt, increased ATP content under normoxic, but not hypoxic, conditions. ATP contents in the absence or presence of NaHS were eliminated by different inhibitors for mitochondrial electron transport chain in chicken erythrocytes. Succinate and glutamine, but not glucose, increased ATP content. NaHS treatment similarly increased ATP content in the presence of glucose, glutamine, or succinate, respectively. Furthermore, the expression and activity of sulfide:quinone oxidoreductase were enhanced by NaHS. The structural integrity of chicken erythrocytes was largely maintained during 2-wk NaHS treatment in vitro, whereas most of the erythrocytes without NaHS treatment were lysed. In conclusion, H2S may regulate cellular bioenergetics as well as cell survival of chicken erythrocytes, in which the functionality of the electron transport chain is involved. H2S may have different regulatory roles and mechanisms in bioenergetics of mammalian and bird cells.

3-Mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase supports endothelial cell angiogenesis and bioenergetics.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: During angiogenesis, quiescent endothelial cells (ECs) are activated by various stimuli to form new blood vessels from pre-existing ones in physiological and pathological conditions. Many research groups have shown that hydrogen sulfide (H2 S), the newest member of the gasotransmitter family, acts as a proangiogenic factor. To date, very little is known about the regulatory role of 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MST), an important H2 S-producing enzyme in ECs. The aim of our study was to explore the potential role of 3-MST in human EC bioenergetics, metabolism, and angiogenesis. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: To assess in vitro angiogenic responses, we used EA.hy926 human vascular ECs subjected to shRNA-mediated 3-MST attenuation and pharmacological inhibition of proliferation, migration, and tube-like network formation. To evaluate bioenergetic parameters, cell respiration, glycolysis, glucose uptake, and mitochondrial/glycolytic ATP production were measured. Finally, global metabolomic profiling was performed to determine the level of 669 metabolic compounds. KEY RESULTS: 3-MST-attenuated ECs subjected to shRNA or pharmacological inhibition of 3-MST significantly reduced EC proliferation, migration, and tube-like network formation. 3-MST silencing also suppressed VEGF-induced EC migration. From bioenergetic and metabolic standpoints, 3-MST attenuation decreased mitochondrial respiration and mitochondrial ATP production, increased glucose uptake, and perturbed the entire EC metabolome. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: 3-MST regulates bioenergetics and morphological angiogenic functions in human ECs. The data presented in the current report support the view that 3-MST pathway may be a potential candidate for therapeutic modulation of angiogenesis. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed section on Hydrogen Sulfide in Biology & Medicine. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v177.4/issuetoc.

Screening Pyridine Derivatives against Human Hydrogen Sulfide-synthesizing Enzymes by Orthogonal Methods.

Biosynthesis of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a key signalling molecule in human (patho)physiology, is mostly accomplished by the human enzymes cystathionine ß-synthase (CBS), cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (MST). Several lines of evidence have shown a close correlation between increased H2S production and human diseases, such as several cancer types and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Identifying compounds selectively and potently inhibiting the human H2S-synthesizing enzymes may therefore prove beneficial for pharmacological applications. Here, the human enzymes CBS, CSE and MST were expressed and purified from Escherichia coli, and thirty-one pyridine derivatives were synthesized and screened for their ability to bind and inhibit these enzymes. Using differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF), surface plasmon resonance (SPR), circular dichroism spectropolarimetry (CD), and activity assays based on fluorimetric and colorimetric H2S detection, two compounds (C30 and C31) sharing structural similarities were found to weakly inhibit both CBS and CSE: 1 mM C30 inhibited these enzymes by approx. 50% and 40%, respectively, while 0.5 mM C31 accounted for CBS and CSE inhibition by approx. 40% and 60%, respectively. This work, while presenting a robust methodological platform for screening putative inhibitors of the human H2S-synthesizing enzymes, highlights the importance of employing complementary methodologies in compound screenings.

A possible mechanism of inhibition of U87MG and SH-SY5Y cancer cell proliferation by diallyl trisulfide and other aspects of its activity.

The study was conducted to elucidate the mechanism of antiproliferative and antioxidative action of diallyl trisulfide (DATS), a garlic-derived organosulfur compound. Changes in the L-cysteine desulfuration, and the levels of cystathionine and non-protein thiols in DATS-treated human glioblastoma (U87MG) and neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells were investigated. The inhibition of proliferation of the investigated cells by DATS was correlated with an increase in the inactivated form of Bcl-2. In U87MG cells, an increased level of sulfane sulfur and an increased activity of 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (MPST) and rhodanese, the enzymes involved in sulfane sulfur generation and transfer, suggest that DATS can function as a donor of sulfane sulfur atom, transferred by sulfurtransferases, to sulfhydryl groups of cysteine residues of Bcl-2 and in this way lower the level of active form of Bcl-2 by S-sulfuration. Diallyl trisulfide antioxidative effects result from an increased level of cystathionine, a precursor of cysteine, and an increased glutathione level. MPST and rhodanese, the level of which is increased in the presence of DATS, can serve as antioxidant proteins.

Transfer RNA Bound to MnmH Protein Is Enriched with Geranylated tRNA--A Possible Intermediate in Its Selenation?

The wobble nucleoside 5-methylaminomethyl-2-thio-uridine (mnm5s2U) is present in bacterial tRNAs specific for Lys and Glu and 5-carboxymethylaminomethyl-2-thio-uridine (cmnm5s2U) in tRNA specific for Gln. The sulfur of (c)mnm5s2U may be exchanged by selenium (Se)-a reaction catalyzed by the selenophosphate-dependent tRNA 2-selenouridine synthase encoded by the mnmH (ybbB, selU, sufY) gene. The MnmH protein has a rhodanese domain containing one catalytic Cys (C97) and a P-loop domain containing a Walker A motif, which is a potential nucleotide binding site. We have earlier isolated a mutant of Salmonella enterica, serovar Typhimurium with an alteration in the rhodanese domain of the MnmH protein (G67E) mediating the formation of modified nucleosides having a geranyl (ge)-group (C10H17-fragment) attached to the s2 group of mnm5s2U and of cmnm5s2U in tRNA. To further characterize the structural requirements to increase the geranylation activity, we here report the analysis of 39 independently isolated mutants catalyzing the formation of mnm5ges2U. All these mutants have amino acid substitutions in the rhodanese domain demonstrating that this domain is pivotal to increase the geranylation activity. The wild type form of MnmH+ also possesses geranyltransferase activity in vitro although only a small amount of the geranyl derivatives of (c)mnm5s2U is detected in vivo. The selenation activity in vivo has an absolute requirement for the catalytic Cys97 in the rhodanese domain whereas the geranylation activity does not. Clearly, MnmH has two distinct enzymatic activities for which the rhodanese domain is pivotal. An intact Walker motif in the P-loop domain is required for the geranylation activity implying that it is the binding site for geranylpyrophosphate (GePP), which is the donor molecule in vitro in the geranyltransfer reaction. Purified MnmH from wild type and from the MnmH(G67E) mutant have bound tRNA, which is enriched with geranylated tRNA. This in conjunction with earlier published data, suggests that this bound geranylated tRNA may be an intermediate in the selenation of the tRNA.

Regulation of Vascular Tone, Angiogenesis and Cellular Bioenergetics by the 3-Mercaptopyruvate Sulfurtransferase/H2S Pathway: Functional Impairment by Hyperglycemia and Restoration by DL-α-Lipoic Acid.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), as a reducing agent and an antioxidant molecule, exerts protective effects against hyperglycemic stress in the vascular endothelium. The mitochondrial enzyme 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MST) is an important biological source of H2S. We have recently demonstrated that 3-MST activity is inhibited by oxidative stress in vitro and speculated that this may have an adverse effect on cellular homeostasis. In the current study, given the importance of H2S as a vasorelaxant, angiogenesis stimulator and cellular bioenergetic mediator, we first determined whether the 3-MST/H2S system plays a physiological regulatory role in endothelial cells. Next, we tested whether a dysfunction of this pathway develops during the development of hyperglycemia and µmol/L to diabetes-associated vascular complications. Intraperitoneal (IP) 3-MP (1 mg/kg) raised plasma H2S levels in rats. 3-MP (10 1 mmol/L) promoted angiogenesis in vitro in bEnd3 microvascular endothelial cells and in vivo in a Matrigel assay in mice (0.3-1 mg/kg). In vitro studies with bEnd3 cell homogenates demonstrated that the 3-MP-induced increases in H2S production depended on enzymatic activity, although at higher concentrations (1-3 mmol/L) there was also evidence for an additional nonenzymatic H2S production by 3-MP. In vivo, 3-MP facilitated wound healing in rats, induced the relaxation of dermal microvessels and increased mitochondrial bioenergetic function. In vitro hyperglycemia or in vivo streptozotocin diabetes impaired angiogenesis, attenuated mitochondrial function and delayed wound healing; all of these responses were associated with an impairment of the proangiogenic and bioenergetic effects of 3-MP. The antioxidants DL-α-lipoic acid (LA) in vivo, or dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA) in vitro restored the ability of 3-MP to stimulate angiogenesis, cellular bioenergetics and wound healing in hyperglycemia and diabetes. We conclude that diabetes leads to an impairment of the 3-MST/H2S pathway, and speculate that this may contribute to the pathogenesis of hyperglycemic endothelial cell dysfunction. We also suggest that therapy with H2S donors, or treatment with the combination of 3-MP and lipoic acid may be beneficial in improving angiogenesis and bioenergetics in hyperglycemia.

Cloning and functional validation of molybdenum cofactor sulfurase gene from Ammopiptanthus nanus.

KEY MESSAGE: The molybdenum cofactor sulfurase gene ( AnMCSU ) was cloned from xerophytic desert plant Ammopiptanthus nanus and validated for its function of tolerance toward abiotic stresses by heterologous expression in Arabidopsis thaliana. Molybdenum cofactor sulfurase participates in catalyzing biosynthesis of abscisic acid, which plays a crucial role in the response of plants to abiotic stresses. In this study, we cloned molybdenum cofactor sulfurase gene (AnMCSU) from a super-xerophytic desert plant, Ammopiptanthus nanus, by using rapid amplification of cDNA ends method. This gene has a total length of 2544 bp, with a 5'- and a 3'-untranslated region of 167 and 88 bp, and an open reading frame of 2289 bp, which encodes an 84.85 kDa protein of 762 amino acids. The putative amino acid sequence shares high homology and conserved amino acid residues crucial for the function of molybdenum cofactor sulfurases with other leguminous species. The encoded protein of the AnMCSU gene was located in the cytoplasm by transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana. The result of real-time quantitative PCR showed that the expression of the AnMCSU gene was induced by heat, dehydration, high salt stresses, and ABA induction, and inhibited by cold stress. The heterologous expression of the AnMCSU gene significantly enhanced the tolerance of Arabidopsis thaliana to high salt, cold, osmotic stresses, and abscisic acid induction. All these results suggest that the AnMCSU gene might play a crucial role in the adaptation of A. nanus to abiotic stress and has potential to be applied to transgenic improvement of commercial crops.

Physical and functional interactions of a monothiol glutaredoxin and an iron sulfur cluster carrier protein with the sulfur-donating radical S-adenosyl-L-methionine enzyme MiaB.

The biosynthesis of iron sulfur (FeS) clusters, their trafficking from initial assembly on scaffold proteins via carrier proteins to final incorporation into FeS apoproteins, is a highly coordinated process enabled by multiprotein systems encoded in iscRSUAhscBAfdx and sufABCDSE operons in Escherichia coli. Although these systems are believed to encode all factors required for initial cluster assembly and transfer to FeS carrier proteins, accessory factors such as monothiol glutaredoxin, GrxD, and the FeS carrier protein NfuA are located outside of these defined systems. These factors have been suggested to function both as shuttle proteins acting to transfer clusters between scaffold and carrier proteins and in the final stages of FeS protein assembly by transferring clusters to client FeS apoproteins. Here we implicate both of these factors in client protein interactions. We demonstrate specific interactions between GrxD, NfuA, and the methylthiolase MiaB, a radical S-adenosyl-L-methionine-dependent enzyme involved in the maturation of a subset of tRNAs. We show that GrxD and NfuA physically interact with MiaB with affinities compatible with an in vivo function. We furthermore demonstrate that NfuA is able to transfer its cluster in vitro to MiaB, whereas GrxD is unable to do so. The relevance of these interactions was demonstrated by linking the activity of MiaB with GrxD and NfuA in vivo. We observe a severe defect in in vivo MiaB activity in cells lacking both GrxD and NfuA, suggesting that these proteins could play complementary roles in maturation and repair of MiaB.

Oxidative stress suppresses the cellular bioenergetic effect of the 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase/hydrogen sulfide pathway.

Recent data show that lower concentrations of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), as well as endogenous, intramitochondrial production of H2S by the 3-mercaptopyruvate (3-MP)/3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MST) pathway serves as an electron donor and inorganic source of energy to support mitochondrial electron transport and ATP generation in mammalian cells by donating electrons to Complex II. The aim of our study was to investigate the role of oxidative stress on the activity of the 3-MP/3-MST/H2S pathway in vitro. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2, 100-500 µM) caused a concentration-dependent decrease in the activity of recombinant mouse 3-MST enzyme. In mitochondria isolated from murine hepatoma cells, H2O2 (50-500 µM) caused a concentration-dependent decrease in production of H2S from 3-MP. In cultured murine hepatoma cells H2O2, (3-100 µM), did not result in overall cytotoxicity, but caused a partial decrease in basal oxygen consumption and respiratory reserve rapacity. The positive bioenergetic effect of 3-MP (100-300 nM) was completely abolished by pre-treatment of the cells with H2O2 (50 µM). The current findings demonstrate that oxidative stress inhibits 3-MST activity and interferes with the positive bioenergetic role of the 3-MP/3-MST/H2S pathway. These findings may have implications for the pathophysiology of various conditions associated with increased oxidative stress, such as various forms of critical illness, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes or physiological aging.

Identification of a Nfs1p-bound persulfide intermediate in Fe-S cluster synthesis by intact mitochondria.

Cysteine desulfurases generate a covalent persulfide intermediate from cysteine, and this activated form of sulfur is essential for the synthesis of iron-sulfur (Fe-S) clusters. In yeast mitochondria, there is a complete machinery for Fe-S cluster synthesis, including a cysteine desulfurase, Nfs1p. Here we show that following supplementation of isolated mitochondria with [(35)S]cysteine, a radiolabeled persulfide could be detected on Nfs1p. The persulfide persisted under conditions that did not permit Fe-S cluster formation, such as nucleotide and/or iron depletion of mitochondria. By contrast, under permissive conditions, the radiolabeled Nfs1p persulfide was greatly reduced and radiolabeled aconitase was formed, indicating transfer of persulfide to downstream Fe-S cluster recipients. Nfs1p in mitochondria was found to be relatively more resistant to inactivation by N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) as compared with a prokaryotic cysteine desulfurase. Mitochondria treated with NEM (1 mM) formed the persulfide on Nfs1p but failed to generate Fe-S clusters on aconitase, likely due to inactivation of downstream recipient(s) of the Nfs1p persulfide. Thus the Nfs1p-bound persulfide as described here represents a precursor en route to Fe-S cluster synthesis in mitochondria.

Targeting mitochondrial oxidative stress through lipoic acid synthase: a novel strategy to manage diabetic cardiovascular disease.

Mitochondrial oxidative stress is a major etiological factor in the development of cardiovascular disease associated with type 2 diabetes. Hyperglycemia and insulin resistance contribute to the generation of excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) which have damaging effects on various macromolecules within the mitochondria, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondrial damage within the endothelial cells lining the vasculature causes endothelial dysfunction, a critical event in atherosclerosis. In diabetes, deficiency of the antioxidant defense network prevents the generation of a robust response to counter the damaging effects of ROS. Since oxidative stress is the underlying factor for the damages inflicted by hyperglycemia, a logical therapeutic approach is to use antioxidants to quench ROS produced within the mitochondria. Lipoic acid (LA) is a potent mitochondrial antioxidant and an essential cofactor of α-ketoacid dehydrogenases. Clinical studies testing the effects of LA supplementation in diabetes and its complications have yielded promising results, especially with regard to management of diabetic neuropathy. Endogenously, LA is synthesized within the mitochondria by the enzyme, Lipoic acid synthase (LASY). This review describes a novel therapeutic approach which is aimed at increasing expression of LASY to enhance mitochondrial levels of LA. Such a strategy has the potential of improving mitochondrial function, reducing inflammation and insulin resistance, translating to better metabolic control in diabetes and preventing cardiovascular disease.

Increased endogenous H2S generation by CBS, CSE, and 3MST gene therapy improves ex vivo renovascular relaxation in hyperhomocysteinemia.

Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) has recently been identified as a regulator of various physiological events, including vasodilation, angiogenesis, antiapoptotic, and cellular signaling. Endogenously, H(2)S is produced as a metabolite of homocysteine (Hcy) by cystathionine ß-synthase (CBS), cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE), and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3MST). Although Hcy is recognized as vascular risk factor at an elevated level [hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy)] and contributes to vascular injury leading to renovascular dysfunction, the exact mechanism is unclear. The goal of the current study was to investigate whether conversion of Hcy to H(2)S improves renovascular function. Ex vivo renal artery culture with CBS, CSE, and 3MST triple gene therapy generated more H(2)S in the presence of Hcy, and these arteries were more responsive to endothelial-dependent vasodilation compared with nontransfected arteries treated with high Hcy. Cross section of triple gene-delivered renal arteries immunostaining suggested increased expression of CD31 and VEGF and diminished expression of the antiangiogenic factor endostatin. In vitro endothelial cell culture demonstrated increased mitophagy during high levels of Hcy and was mitigated by triple gene delivery. Also, dephosphorylated Akt and phosphorylated FoxO3 in HHcy were reversed by H(2)S or triple gene delivery. Upregulated matrix metalloproteinases-13 and downregulated tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in HHcy were normalized by overexpression of triple genes. Together, these results suggest that H(2)S plays a key role in renovasculopathy during HHcy and is mediated through Akt/FoxO3 pathways. We conclude that conversion of Hcy to H(2)S by CBS, CSE, or 3MST triple gene therapy improves renovascular function in HHcy.

Selective effects of diallyl disulfide, a sulfane sulfur precursor, in the liver and Ehrlich ascites tumor cells.

The present in vivo studies demonstrated that diallyl disulfide (DADS), occurring in garlic, elevated hepatic sulfane sulfur level and activities of gamma-cystathionase and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfotransferase in healthy mice but did not affect the hepatic glutathione level. DADS efficiently corrected the concentrations of glutathione and sulfane sulfur, and ameliorated gamma-cystathionase activity that had been lowered in the livers of Ehrlich ascites tumor-bearing mice. In Ehrlich ascites tumor cells, diallyl disulfide did not alter bound sulfane sulfur level, sulfotransferases activity or glutathione level. These data indicate that this compound is capable of acting efficiently and selectively only in the liver and can be used for hepatoprotection during chemotherapy.

Differential expression of Arabidopsis sulfurtransferases under various growth conditions.

Sulfurtransferases (Str) comprise a group of enzymes widely distributed in archaea, eubacteria, and eukaryota which catalyse the transfer of a sulfur atom from suitable sulfur donors to nucleophilic sulfur acceptors. Neither the in vivo sulfur donors nor the acceptors of Str could be clearly identified in any of the organisms investigated so far. In Arabidopsis thaliana 20 Str proteins have been identified and grouped according to sequence homology. To investigate their respective in vivo function, Arabidopsis plants were grown in sterile hydroponic cultures at different sulfate (50, 500, and 1500 microM) and phosphate (0.1 and 1mM) concentrations, and in medium supplemented with 1mM thiosulfate. Northern blot analysis revealed the differential expression of the Str investigated. Thiosulfate Str activity was significantly increased at low sulfate concentrations in the medium. The Str mRNA levels were highly dependent on the developmental stage of the Arabidopsis plants. The expression of most Str analysed increased with progressing plant age in parallel with increasing 3-mercaptopyruvate and thiosulfate Str activities. The Str investigated were differentially expressed in a light/dark cycle whereas Str enzyme activities were not affected by the light conditions. The results indicate that each Str is regulated in a different way and plays an individual specific role in the plant metabolism.

Role of the [2Fe-2S]2+ cluster in biotin synthase: mutagenesis of the atypical metal ligand arginine 260.

Biotin synthase (BS) is an S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet)-dependent radical enzyme that catalyzes the addition of sulfur to dethiobiotin. Like other AdoMet radical enzymes, BS contains a [4Fe-4S] cluster that is coordinated by a highly conserved CxxxCxxC sequence motif and by the methionyl amine and carboxylate of AdoMet. The close association of the [4Fe-4S]+ cluster with AdoMet facilitates reductive cleavage of the sulfonium and the generation of transient 5'-deoxyadenosyl radicals, which are then proposed to sequentially abstract hydrogen atoms from the substrate to produce carbon radicals at C9 and C6 of dethiobiotin. BS also contains a [2Fe-2S]2+ cluster located approximately 4-5 A from dethiobiotin, and we have proposed that a bridging sulfide of this cluster quenches the substrate radicals, leading to formation of the thiophane ring of biotin. In BS from Escherichia coli, the [2Fe-2S]2+ cluster is coordinated by cysteines 97, 128, and 188, and the atypical metal ligand, arginine 260. The evolutionary conservation of an arginine guanidinium as a metal ligand suggests a novel role for this residue in tuning the reactivity or stability of the [2Fe-2S]2+ cluster. In this work, we explore the effects of mutagenesis of Arg260 to Ala, Cys, His, and Met. Although perturbations in a number of characteristics of the [2Fe-2S]2+ cluster and the proteins are noted, the reconstituted enzymes have in vitro single-turnover activities that are 30-120% of that of the wild type. Further, in vivo expression of each mutant enzyme was sufficient to sustain growth of a bioB- mutant strain on dethiobiotin-supplemented medium, suggesting the enzymes were active and efficiently reconstituted by the in vivo iron-sulfur cluster (ISC) assembly system. Although we cannot exclude an as-yet-unidentified in vivo role in cluster repair or retention, we can conclude that Arg260 is not essential for the catalytic reaction of BS.