Cysteine and hydrogen sulphide in the regulation of metabolism: insights from genetics and pharmacology
Year: 2015
Type: review
Abstract: Obesity and diabetes represent a significant and escalating worldwide health burden. These conditions are characterized by abnormal nutrient homeostasis. One such perturbation is altered metabolism of the sulphur-containing amino acid cysteine. Obesity is associated with elevated plasma cysteine, whereas diabetes is associated with reduced cysteine levels. One mechanism by which cysteine may act is through its enzymatic breakdown to produce hydrogen sulphide (H2S), a gasotransmitter that regulates glucose and lipid homeostasis. Here we review evidence from both pharmacological studies and transgenic models suggesting that cysteine and hydrogen sulphide play a role in the metabolic dysregulation underpinning obesity and diabetes. We then outline the growing evidence that regulation of hydrogen sulphide levels through its catabolism can impact metabolic health. By integrating hydrogen sulphide production and breakdown pathways, we re-assess current hypothetical models of cysteine and hydrogen sulphide metabolism, offering new insight into their roles in the pathogenesis of obesity and diabetes.
Source: The Journal of Pathology
DOI: 10.1002/path.4659
Authors: Roderick N Carter, Nicholas M Morton
Language: English
Topic: Sulfur Compounds in Biology
Subfield: Biochemistry
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $5,450
Funder: Wellcome Trust
Awards: G1457476310, Discovery and therapeutic development of 'lean genes': characterisation of a novel gain-of-function adipose tissue lean gene, thiosulfate sulfur transferase ., Discovery and therapeutic development of 'lean genes': characterisation of a novel gain-of-function adipose tissue lean gene, thiosulfate sulfur transferase .
OpenAlex ID: W1892874231