Role of Hydrogen Sulfide and Polysulfides in Neurological Diseases: Focus on Protein S-Persulfidation

Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and hydrogen polysulfides are recognized as important signaling molecules that are generated physiologically in the body, including the central nervous system (CNS). Studies have shown that these two molecules are involved in cytoprotection against oxidative stress and inflammatory response. In the brain system, H2S and polysulfides exert multiple functions in both health and diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), memory decline, and glioma. Mechanistically, S-Persulfidation (also known as S-sulfuration or S-sulfhydration) of target proteins is believed to be a fundamental mechanism that underlies H2S-regulated signaling pathways. Cysteine S-Persulfidation is an important paradigm of post translational protein modification in the process of H2S signaling. This model is established as a critical redox mechanism to regulate numerous biological functions, especially in H2S-mediated neuroprotection and neurogenesis. Although the current research of S-Persulfidation is still in its infancy, accumulative evidence suggests that protein S-Persulfidation may share similar characteristics with protein S-nitrosylation. In this review, we will provide a comprehensive insight into the S-Persulfidation biology of H2S and polysulfides in neurological ailments and presume potential avenues for therapeutic development in these disorders based on S-Persulfidation of target proteins.