Hydrogen sulfide pathway

The hydrogen sulfide pathway encompasses the enzymatic and non-enzymatic production of the endogenous gasotransmitter hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) via enzymes such as cystathionine gamma-lyase (CSE), cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS), and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MST)[3][4][5][7]. H₂S acts as a signaling molecule in mammals, regulating cellular bioenergetics, redox state, vasodilation, inflammation, apoptosis, and mitochondrial function[1][5][7]. It exerts these effects largely through post-translational modification (S-sulfhydration/persulfidation) of cysteine residues in target proteins[1][5]. The pathway is implicated in diverse diseases—including cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, inflammatory, and infectious conditions—and is formally recognized as a therapeutic target, with H₂S donors and inhibitors under study as clinical agents[2][4][6][8]. However, "hydrogen sulfide pathway" is a process encompassing multiple molecular targets rather than a single canonical target.

Other names

H₂S pathwayH₂S signaling pathwayHydrogen sulfide-producing enzyme pathwayEndogenous hydrogen sulfide production-related enzymes

H₂S donors: Increase endogenous/exogenous H₂S for vasodilation, antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and cardioprotection. Enzyme activators/inhibitors: Modulate activity of CSE, CBS, and/or 3-MST enzymes to adjust H₂S levels.