Low sulfide levels and a high degree of cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) activation by S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) in the long-lived naked mole-rat

Redox Biol. 2016 Aug:8:192-8. doi: 10.1016/j.redox.2016.01.008. Epub 2016 Jan 14.

Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a gaseous signalling molecule involved in many physiological and pathological processes. There is increasing evidence that H2S is implicated in aging and lifespan control in the diet-induced longevity models. However, blood sulfide concentration of naturally long-lived species is not known. Here we measured blood sulfide in the long-lived naked mole-rat and five other mammalian species considerably differing in lifespan and found a negative correlation between blood sulfide and maximum longevity residual. In addition, we show that the naked mole-rat cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), an enzyme whose activity in the liver significantly contributes to systemic sulfide levels, has lower activity in the liver and is activated to a higher degree by S-adenosylmethionine compared to other species. These results add complexity to the understanding of the role of H2S in aging and call for detailed research on naked mole-rat transsulfuration.

Keywords: Hydrogen sulfide; Longevity; Low methionine diet; Methionine; Mole-rats; Transsulfuration.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aging / blood*
  • Aging / pathology
  • Animals
  • Cystathionine beta-Synthase / genetics
  • Cystathionine beta-Synthase / metabolism*
  • Diet
  • Hydrogen Sulfide / blood*
  • Liver / enzymology
  • Longevity / genetics
  • Methionine / metabolism
  • Mole Rats
  • Rats
  • S-Adenosylmethionine / metabolism*

Substances

  • S-Adenosylmethionine
  • Methionine
  • Cystathionine beta-Synthase
  • Hydrogen Sulfide