A pharmacological probe identifies cystathionine β-synthase as a new negative regulator for ferroptosis

Cell Death Dis. 2018 Sep 26;9(10):1005. doi: 10.1038/s41419-018-1063-2.

Abstract

Cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) is responsible for the first enzymatic reaction in the transsulfuration pathway of sulfur amino acids. The molecular function and mechanism of CBS as well as that of transsulfuration pathway remain ill-defined in cell proliferation and death. In the present study, we designed, synthesized and obtained a bioactive inhibitor CH004 for human CBS, which functions in vitro and in vivo. CH004 inhibits CBS activity, elevated the cellular homocysteine and suppressed the production of hydrogen sulfide in a dose-dependent manner in cells or in vivo. Chemical or genetic inhibition of CBS demonstrates that endogenous CBS is closely coupled with cell proliferation and cell cycle. Moreover, CH004 substantially retarded in vivo tumor growth in a xenograft mice model of liver cancer. Importantly, inhibition of CBS triggers ferroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Overall, the study provides several clues for studying the interplays amongst transsulfuration pathway, ferroptosis and liver cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / metabolism
  • Cell Cycle / drug effects
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Cystathionine beta-Synthase / metabolism*
  • Female
  • HCT116 Cells
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Hep G2 Cells
  • Homocysteine / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen Sulfide / metabolism
  • Liver Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Liver Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred ICR
  • Rats

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Homocysteine
  • Cystathionine beta-Synthase
  • Hydrogen Sulfide