Reactive cysteine persulfides and S-polythiolation regulate oxidative stress and redox signaling

Using methodology developed herein, it is found that reactive persulfides and polysulfides are formed endogenously from both small molecule species and proteins in high amounts in mammalian cells and tissues. These reactive sulfur species were biosynthesized by two major sulfurtransferases: cystathionine β-synthase and cystathionine γ-lyase. Quantitation of these species indicates that high concentrations of glutathione persulfide (perhydropersulfide >100 μM) and other cysteine persulfide and polysulfide derivatives in peptides/proteins were endogenously produced and maintained in the plasma, cells, and tissues of mammals (rodent and human). It is expected that persulfides are especially nucleophilic and…

• NS
  National Science Foundation

  Awards: 1148641, CHE-1148641, 0844931
• NI
  National Institutes of Health

  Awards: R01HL116571, HL106598
• JS
  Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
• JS
  Japan Science and Technology Agency
• DO
  Division of Chemistry
• PR
  Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology