Hydrogen sulfide gas has cell growth regulatory role

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been classified as a third novel gasotransmitter signaling molecule alongside nitric oxide and carbon monoxide. H2S rapidly travels through the cell membranes without using any specific receptors/transporters and signaling intracellular proteins. Recently, it has been shown that H2S induces DNA damage and alter cell cycle in various mammalian cells. Endogenously produced or exogenously treated H2S has a role in the accumulation or proliferation of cells and further may provide for development of a novel therapeutic approach in conditions associated with uncontrolled cell growth. However, the potential biological and clinical significance of H2S are subject of intense debate in recent years and despite considerable progress in our understanding about H2S, much still needs to be learned about their production at the site of tissue injury and its downstream signaling pathways on cell growth. Here, we provide an overview of the recent findings on its role in DNA damage/repair and cell growth followed by its potential translational implications. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.