Sulfur-based redox alterations in long-lived Snell dwarf mice

Involvement of GAT2/Slc6a13 in hypotaurine uptake at fetal-facing plasma membrane of syncytiotrophoblasts at mid-to-late gestation in rats and mice

INTRODUCTION

Hypotaurine, a precursor to taurine, is known for its antioxidant properties and is prominently present in fetal plasma and the placenta. Our previous research revealed that ezrin-knockout mice experience fetal growth retardation, coinciding with reduced hypotaurine levels in fetal plasma. This study aims to elucidate the expression and role of hypotaurine transporters within the placenta.

METHODS

We employed quantitative RT-PCR to measure mRNA expression of GAT transporter family members in the placenta during mid-to-late gestation. LC/MS/MS was used to analyze the distribution of hypotaurine in different placental subregions. Immunohistochemistry was utilized to examine the localization of GAT2 in mice. Placental hypotaurine uptake from fetal circulation was studied via umbilical perfusion in rats.

RESULTS

Among hypotaurine transporters, GAT2 exhibited increased mRNA and protein expression in murine placenta during mid-to-late gestation. Notably, GAT2/Slc6a13 mRNA and hypotaurine were most concentrated in the labyrinth of murine placenta. In contrast, enzymes responsible for hypotaurine synthesis, such as cysteine dioxygenase, cysteine sulfinic acid decarboxylase, and 2-aminoethanethiol dioxygenase, showed minimal expression in the labyrinth. These findings suggest that GAT2 is a key determinant of hypotaurine levels in the placental labyrinth. Immunohistochemical examination unveiled that GAT2 was predominantly localized on the fetal-facing plasma membrane within syncytiotrophoblasts, which co-localized with ezrin. In rat umbilical perfusion experiments, the GAT2/3 and TauT inhibitor, SNAP-5114, significantly reduced hypotaurine extraction from fetal circulation to the placenta.

DISCUSSION

The results suggest that GAT2 plays a pivotal role in the concentrative uptake of hypotaurine from fetal plasma within syncytiotrophoblasts of the placenta.

Deletions of the cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) genes, involved in the control of hydrogen sulfide biosynthesis, significantly affect lifespan and fitness components of Drosophila melanogaster

The gasotransmitter hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is an important biological mediator, playing an essential role in many physiological and pathological processes. It is produced by transsulfuration - an evolutionarily highly conserved pathway for the metabolism of sulfur-containing amino acids methionine and cysteine. Cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) enzymes play a central role in cysteine metabolism and H₂S production. Here we investigated the fitness components (longevity, stress resistance, viability of preimaginal stages, and reproductive function parameters) in D. melanogaster lines containing deletions of the CBS and CSE genes. Surprisingly, in most tests, CSE deletion improved, and CBS worsened the fitness. Lines with deletion of both CBS and CSE demonstrated better stress resistance and longevity than lines with single CBS deletion. At the same time, deletion of both CBS and CSE genes causes more serious disturbances of reproductive function parameters than single CBS deletion. Thus, a complex interaction of H₂S-producing pathways and cellular stress response in determining the lifespan and fitness components of the whole organism was revealed.

Plasma methionine metabolic profile is associated with longevity in mammals

Methionine metabolism arises as a key target to elucidate the molecular adaptations underlying animal longevity due to the negative association between longevity and methionine content. The present study follows a comparative approach to analyse plasma methionine metabolic profile using a LC-MS/MS platform from 11 mammalian species with a longevity ranging from 3.5 to 120 years. Our findings demonstrate the existence of a species-specific plasma profile for methionine metabolism associated with longevity characterised by: i) reduced methionine, cystathionine and choline; ii) increased non-polar amino acids; iii) reduced succinate and malate; and iv) increased carnitine. Our results support the existence of plasma longevity features that might respond to an optimised energetic metabolism and intracellular structures found in long-lived species.

Mota-Martorell and colleagues use a comparative metabolomics approach to examine plasma metabolite levels associated with methionine metabolism in 11 mammalian species. They identify species specific plasma profiles indicative of a link between lifetime longevity and methionine metabolism.

Hydrogen sulfide in longevity and pathologies: Inconsistency is malodorous

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is one of the biologically active gases (gasotransmitters), which plays an important role in various physiological processes and aging. Its production in the course of methionine and cysteine catabolism and its degradation are finely balanced, and impairment of H₂S homeostasis is associated with various pathologies. Despite the strong geroprotective action of exogenous H₂S in C. elegans, there are controversial effects of hydrogen sulfide and its donors on longevity in other models, as well as on stress resistance, age-related pathologies and aging processes, including regulation of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) and senescent cell anti-apoptotic pathways (SCAPs). Here we discuss that the translation potential of H₂S as a geroprotective compound is influenced by a multiplicity of its molecular targets, pleiotropic biological effects, and the overlapping ranges of toxic and beneficial doses. We also consider the challenges of the targeted delivery of H₂S at the required dose. Along with this, the complexity of determining the natural levels of H₂S in animal and human organs and their ambiguous correlations with longevity are reviewed.

Methionine transsulfuration pathway is upregulated in long-lived humans

Available evidences point to methionine metabolism as a key target to study the molecular adaptive mechanisms underlying differences in longevity. The plasma methionine metabolic profile was determined using a LC-MS/MS platform to systematically define specific phenotypic patterns associated with genotypes of human extreme longevity (centenarians). Our findings demonstrate the presence of a specific plasma profile associated with human longevity characterized by an enhanced transsulfuration pathway and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates, as well as a reduced content of specific amino acids. Furthermore, our work reveals that centenarians maintain a strongly correlated methionine metabolism, suggesting an improved network integrity, homeostasis and more tightly regulated metabolism. We have discovered a particular methionine signature related to the condition of extreme longevity, allowing the identification of potential mechanisms and biomarkers of healthy aging.

Impact of sex, age and diet on the cysteine/cystine and glutathione/glutathione disulfide plasma redox couples in mice

Age, sex and diet are well-established risk factors for several diseases. In humans, each of these variables has been linked to differences in plasma redox potentials (E_h) of the glutathione/glutathione disulfide (GSH/GSSG) and cysteine/cystine (Cys/CySS) redox couples. Mice have been very useful for modeling human disease processes, but it is unknown if age, sex and diet affect redox couples in mice as they do in humans. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of these factors on plasma redox potentials in C57BL/6J mice. We found that age had no effect on either redox couple in either sex. Plasma E_h Cys/CySS and E_h GSH/GSSG were both more oxidized (more positive) in females than in males. A 24-hour fast negated the sex differences in both redox potentials by oxidizing both redox couples in male mice, while having no effect on E_h Cys/CySS and a smaller effect on E_h GSH/GSSG in female mice. A diet with excess sulfur amino acids reduced the plasma E_h Cys/CySS in females to a level comparable to that seen in male mice. Thus, sex-specific differences in plasma E_h Cys/CySS could be normalized by two different dietary interventions. Some of these findings are consistent with reported human studies, while others are not. Most strikingly, mice do not exhibit age-dependent oxidation of plasma redox potentials. Care must be taken when designing and interpreting mouse studies to investigate redox regulation in humans.

Thioredoxin regulates human mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase at physiologically-relevant concentrations

3-Mercaptopyruvate sulfur transferase (MPST) catalyzes the desulfuration of 3-mercaptopyruvate (3-MP) and transfers sulfane sulfur from an enzyme-bound persulfide intermediate to thiophilic acceptors such as thioredoxin and cysteine. Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), a signaling molecule implicated in many physiological processes, can be released from the persulfide product of the MPST reaction. Two splice variants of MPST, differing by 20 amino acids at the N terminus, give rise to the cytosolic MPST1 and mitochondrial MPST2 isoforms. Here, we characterized the poorly-studied MPST1 variant and demonstrated that substitutions in its Ser-His-Asp triad, proposed to serve a general acid-base role, minimally affect catalytic activity. We estimated the 3-MP concentration in murine liver, kidney, and brain tissues, finding that it ranges from 0.4 μmol·kg^-1 in brain to 1.4 μmol·kg^-1 in kidney. We also show that N-acetylcysteine, a widely-used antioxidant, is a poor substrate for MPST and is unlikely to function as a thiophilic acceptor. Thioredoxin exhibits substrate inhibition, increasing the K_M for 3-MP ∼15-fold compared with other sulfur acceptors. Kinetic simulations at physiologically-relevant substrate concentrations predicted that the proportion of sulfur transfer to thioredoxin increases ∼3.5-fold as its concentration decreases from 10 to 1 μm, whereas the total MPST reaction rate increases ∼7-fold. The simulations also predicted that cysteine is a quantitatively-significant sulfane sulfur acceptor, revealing MPST's potential to generate low-molecular-weight persulfides. We conclude that the MPST1 and MPST2 isoforms are kinetically indistinguishable and that thioredoxin modulates the MPST-catalyzed reaction in a physiologically-relevant concentration range.

Sex-specific hippocampal metabolic signatures at the onset of systemic inflammation with lipopolysaccharide in the APPswe/PS1dE9 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

Systemic inflammation enhances the risk and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a potent pro-inflammatory endotoxin produced by the gut, is found in excess levels in AD where it associates with neurological hallmarks of pathology. Sex differences in susceptibility to inflammation and AD progression have been reported, but how this impacts on LPS responses remains under investigated. We previously reported in an APP/PS1 model of AD that systemic LPS administration rapidly altered hippocampal metabolism in males. Here, we used untargeted metabolomics to comprehensively identify hippocampal metabolic processes occurring at onset of systemic inflammation with LPS (100 µg/kg, i.v.) in APP/PS1 mice, at an early pathological stage, and investigated the sexual dimorphism in this response. Four hours after LPS administration, pathways regulating energy metabolism, immune and oxidative stress responses were simultaneously recruited in the hippocampi of 4.5-month-old mice with a more protective response in females despite their pro-inflammatory and pro-oxidant metabolic signature in the absence of immune stimulation. LPS induced comparable behavioural sickness responses in male and female wild-type and APP/PS1 mice and comparable activation of both the serotonin and nicotinamide pathways of tryptophan metabolism in their hippocampi. Elevations in N-methyl-2-pyridone-5-carboxamide, a major toxic metabolite of nicotinamide, correlated with behavioural sickness regardless of sex, as well as with the LPS-induced hypothermia seen in males. Males also exhibited a pro-inflammatory-like downregulation of pyruvate metabolism, exacerbated in APP/PS1 males, and methionine metabolism whereas females showed a greater cytokine response and anti-inflammatory-like downregulation of hippocampal methylglyoxal and methionine metabolism. Metabolic changes were not associated with morphological markers of immune cell activation suggesting that they constitute an early event in the development of LPS-induced neuroinflammation and AD exacerbation. These data suggest that the female hippocampus is more tolerant to acute systemic inflammation.

S-3-Carboxypropyl-l-cysteine specifically inhibits cystathionine γ-lyase-dependent hydrogen sulfide synthesis

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is a gaseous signaling molecule, which modulates a wide range of mammalian physiological processes. Cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) catalyzes H₂S synthesis and is a potential target for modulating H₂S levels under pathophysiological conditions. CSE is inhibited by propargylglycine (PPG), a widely used mechanism-based inhibitor. In this study, we report that inhibition of H₂S synthesis from cysteine, but not the canonical cystathionine cleavage reaction catalyzed by CSE in vitro, is sensitive to preincubation of the enzyme with PPG. In contrast, the efficacy of S-3-carboxpropyl-l-cysteine (CPC) a new inhibitor described herein, was not dependent on the order of substrate/inhibitor addition. We observed that CPC inhibited the γ-elimination reaction of cystathionine and H₂S synthesis from cysteine by human CSE with K_i values of 50 ± 3 and 180 ± 15 μm, respectively. We noted that CPC spared the other enzymes involved either directly (cystathionine β-synthase and mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase) or indirectly (cysteine aminotransferase) in H₂S biogenesis. CPC also targeted CSE in cultured cells, inhibiting transsulfuration flux by 80-90%, as monitored by the transfer of radiolabel from [³⁵S]methionine to GSH. The 2.5 Å resolution crystal structure of human CSE in complex with the CPC-derived aminoacrylate intermediate provided a structural framework for the molecular basis of its inhibitory effect. In summary, our study reveals a previously unknown confounding effect of PPG, widely used to inhibit CSE-dependent H₂S synthesis, and reports on an alternative inhibitor, CPC, which could be used as a scaffold to develop more potent H₂S biogenesis inhibitors.

Homocysteine and age-associated disorders

There are numerous theories of aging, a process which still seems inevitable. Aging leads to cancer and multi-systemic disorders as well as chronic diseases. Decline in age- associated cellular functions leads to neurodegeneration and cognitive decline that affect the quality of life. Accumulation of damage, mutations, metabolic changes, failure in cellular energy production and clearance of altered proteins over the lifetime, and hyperhomocysteinemia, ultimately result in tissue degeneration. The decline in renal functions, nutritional deficiencies, deregulation of methionine cycle and deficiencies of homocysteine remethylation and transsulfuration cofactors cause elevation of homocysteine with advancing age. Abnormal accumulation of homocysteine is a risk factor of cardiovascular, neurodegenerative and chronic kidney disease. Moreover, approximately 50% of people, aged 65 years and older develop hypertension and are at a high risk of developing cardiovascular insufficiency and incurable neurodegenerative disorders. Increasing evidence suggests inverse relation between cognitive impairment, cerebrovascular and cardiovascular events and renal function. Oxidative stress, inactivation of nitric oxide synthase pathway and mitochondria dysfunction associated with impaired homocysteine metabolism lead to aging tissue degeneration. In this review, we examine impact of high homocysteine levels on changes observed with aging that contribute to development and progression of age associated diseases.

Regulation of metabolic health by essential dietary amino acids

Although the beneficial effects of calorie restriction (CR) on health and aging were first observed a century ago, the specific macronutrients and molecular processes that mediate the effect of CR have been heavily debated. Recently, it has become clear that dietary protein plays a key role in regulating both metabolic health and longevity, and that both the quantity and quality - the specific amino acid composition - of dietary protein mediates metabolic health. Here, we discuss recent findings in model organisms ranging from yeast to mice and humans regarding the influence of dietary protein as well as specific amino acids on metabolic health, and the physiological and molecular mechanisms which may mediate these effects. We then discuss recent findings which suggest that the restriction of specific dietary amino acids may be a potent therapy to treat or prevent metabolic syndrome. Finally, we discuss the potential for dietary restriction of specific amino acids - or pharmaceuticals which harness these same mechanisms - to promote healthy aging.

Dietary and Endocrine Regulation of Endogenous Hydrogen Sulfide Production: Implications for Longevity

SIGNIFICANCE

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) at the right concentration is associated with numerous health benefits in experimental organisms, ranging from protection from ischemia/reperfusion injury to life span extension. Given the considerable translation potential, two major strategies have emerged: supplementation of exogenous H₂S and modulation of endogenous H₂S metabolism. Recent Advances: Recently, it was reported that hepatic H₂S production capacity is increased in two of the best-characterized mammalian models of life span extension, dietary restriction, and hypopituitary dwarfism, leading to new insights into dietary and hormonal regulation of endogenous H₂S production together with broader changes in sulfur amino acid (SAA) metabolism with implications for DNA methylation and redox status.

CRITICAL ISSUES

Here, we discuss the role of dietary SAAs and growth hormone (GH)/thyroid hormone (TH) signaling in regulation of endogenous H₂S production largely via repression of H₂S generating enzymes cystathionine γ-lyase (CGL) and cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) on the level of gene transcription, as well as reciprocal regulation of GH and TH signaling by H₂S itself. We also discuss plasticity of CGL and CBS gene expression in response to environmental stimuli and the potential of the microbiome to impact overall H₂S levels.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

The relative contribution of increased H₂S to health span or lifespan benefits in models of extended longevity remains to be determined, as does the mechanism by which such benefits occur. Nonetheless, our ability to control H₂S levels using exogenous H₂S donors or by modifying the endogenous H₂S production/consumption equilibrium has the potential to improve health and increase "shelf-life" across evolutionary boundaries, including our own. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 28, 1483-1502.

Thiosulfate sulfurtransferase-like domain-containing 1 protein interacts with thioredoxin

Rhodanese domains are structural modules present in the sulfurtransferase superfamily. These domains can exist as single units, in tandem repeats, or fused to domains with other activities. Despite their prevalence across species, the specific physiological roles of most sulfurtransferases are not known. Mammalian rhodanese and mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase are perhaps the best-studied members of this protein superfamily and are involved in hydrogen sulfide metabolism. The relatively unstudied human thiosulfate sulfurtransferase-like domain-containing 1 (TSTD1) protein, a single-domain cytoplasmic sulfurtransferase, was also postulated to play a role in the sulfide oxidation pathway using thiosulfate to form glutathione persulfide, for subsequent processing in the mitochondrial matrix. Prior kinetic analysis of TSTD1 was performed at pH 9.2, raising questions about relevance and the proposed model for TSTD1 function. In this study, we report a 1.04 Å resolution crystal structure of human TSTD1, which displays an exposed active site that is distinct from that of rhodanese and mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase. Kinetic studies with a combination of sulfur donors and acceptors reveal that TSTD1 exhibits a low Km for thioredoxin as a sulfane sulfur acceptor and that it utilizes thiosulfate inefficiently as a sulfur donor. The active site exposure and its interaction with thioredoxin suggest that TSTD1 might play a role in sulfide-based signaling. The apical localization of TSTD1 in human colonic crypts, which interfaces with sulfide-releasing microbes, and the overexpression of TSTD1 in colon cancer provide potentially intriguing clues as to its role in sulfide metabolism.

Reaction of hypotaurine or taurine with superoxide produces the organic peroxysulfonic acid peroxytaurine

Hypotaurine and taurine are amino acid derivatives and abundant molecules in many eukaryotes. The biological reaction in which hypotaurine is converted to taurine remains poorly understood. Here, hypotaurine and taurine were observed to react with superoxide anion in vitro to form the novel molecule peroxytaurine. In contrast, hypotaurine reacts with hydrogen peroxide to form taurine, but taurine does not react with hydrogen peroxide in vitro. Mass and NMR spectrometry as well as FTIR and Raman spectroscopy support the molecular characterization of peroxytaurine. Gravitometric and spectroscopy experiments suggest a stoichiometry of two superoxide anions reacting with one hypotaurine or two taurines. The newly identified molecule is a semi-stable, organic peroxysulfonic acid that may be an intermediate metabolite in taurine synthesis.

H2S oxidation by nanodisc-embedded human sulfide quinone oxidoreductase

Buildup of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), which functions as a signaling molecule but is toxic at high concentrations, is averted by its efficient oxidation by the mitochondrial sulfide oxidation pathway. The first step in this pathway is catalyzed by a flavoprotein, sulfide quinone oxidoreductase (SQR), which converts H₂S to a persulfide and transfers electrons to coenzyme Q via a flavin cofactor. All previous studies on human SQR have used detergent-solubilized protein. Here, we embedded human SQR in nanodiscs (ndSQR) and studied highly homogenous preparations by steady-state and rapid-kinetics techniques. ndSQR exhibited higher catalytic rates in its membranous environment than in its solubilized state. Stopped-flow spectroscopic data revealed that transfer of the sulfane sulfur from an SQR-bound cysteine persulfide intermediate to a small-molecule acceptor is the rate-limiting step. The physiological acceptor of sulfane sulfur from SQR has been the subject of controversy; we report that the kinetic analysis of ndSQR is consistent with glutathione rather than sulfite being the predominant acceptor at physiologically relevant concentrations of the respective metabolites. The identity of the acceptor has an important bearing on how the sulfide oxidation pathway is organized. Our data are more consistent with the reaction sequence for sulfide oxidation being: H₂S → glutathione persulfide → sulfite → sulfate, than with a more convoluted route that would result if sulfite were the primary acceptor of sulfane sulfur. In summary, nanodisc-incorporated human SQR exhibits enhanced catalytic performance, and pre-steady-state kinetics characterization of the complete SQR catalytic cycle indicates that GSH serves as the physiologically relevant sulfur acceptor.

Macrophage-Mediated Clofazimine Sequestration Is Accompanied by a Shift in Host Energy Metabolism

Prolonged (8 weeks) oral administration of clofazimine results in a profound pharmacodynamic response-bioaccumulation in macrophages (including Kupffer cells) as intracellular crystal-like drug inclusions (CLDIs) with an associated increase in interleukin-1 receptor antagonist production. Notably, CLDI formation in Kupffer cells concomitantly occurs with the formation of macrophage-centric granulomas. Accordingly, we sought to understand the impact of these events on host metabolism using ¹H-nuclear magnetic resonance metabolomics. Mice received a clofazimine or vehicle-enriched (sham) diet for at least 8 weeks. At 2 weeks, the antimicrobial activity of clofazimine was evident by changes in urine metabolites. From 2 to 8 weeks, there was a striking change in metabolite levels indicative of a reorientation of host energy metabolism paralleling the onset of CLDI and granuloma formation. This was evidenced by a progressive reduction in urine levels of metabolites involved in one-carbon metabolism with corresponding increases in whole blood, and changes in metabolites associated with lipid, nucleotide and amino acid metabolism, and glycolysis. Although clofazimine-fed mice ate more, they gained less weight than control mice. Together, these results indicate that macrophage sequestration of clofazimine as CLDIs and granuloma formation is accompanied by a profound metabolic disruption in energy homeostasis and one-carbon metabolism.

Differential Regulation of the Extracellular Cysteine/Cystine Redox State (EhCySS) by Lung Fibroblasts from Young and Old Mice

Aging is associated with progressive oxidation of plasma cysteine (Cys)/cystine (CySS) redox state, expressed as E_hCySS. Cultured cells condition their media to reproduce physiological E_hCySS, but it is unknown whether aged cells produce a more oxidized extracellular environment reflective of that seen in vivo. In the current study, we isolated primary lung fibroblasts from young and old female mice and measured the media E_hCySS before and after challenge with Cys or CySS. We also measured expression of genes related to redox regulation and fibroblast function. These studies revealed that old fibroblasts produced a more oxidizing extracellular E_hCySS than young fibroblasts and that old fibroblasts had a decreased capacity to recover from an oxidative challenge due to a slower rate of reduction of CySS to Cys. These defects were associated with 10-fold lower expression of the Slc7a11 subunit of the xCT cystine-glutamate transporter. Extracellular superoxide dismutase (Sod3) was the only antioxidant or thiol-disulfide regulating enzyme among 36 examined that was downregulated in old fibroblasts by more than 2-fold, but there were numerous changes in extracellular matrix components. Thus, aging fibroblasts not only contribute to remodeling of the extracellular matrix but also have a profound effect on the extracellular redox environment.

Biosynthesis and Reactivity of Cysteine Persulfides in Signaling

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) elicits pleiotropic physiological effects ranging from modulation of cardiovascular to CNS functions. A dominant method for transmission of sulfide-based signals is via posttranslational modification of reactive cysteine thiols to persulfides. However, the source of the persulfide donor and whether its relationship to H2S is as a product or precursor is controversial. The transsulfuration pathway enzymes can synthesize cysteine persulfide (Cys-SSH) from cystine and H2S from cysteine and/or homocysteine. Recently, Cys-SSH was proposed as the primary product of the transsulfuration pathway with H2S representing a decomposition product of Cys-SSH. Our detailed kinetic analyses demonstrate a robust capacity for Cys-SSH production by the human transsulfuration pathway enzymes, cystathionine beta-synthase and γ-cystathionase (CSE) and for homocysteine persulfide synthesis from homocystine by CSE only. However, in the reducing cytoplasmic milieu where the concentration of reduced thiols is significantly higher than of disulfides, substrate level regulation favors the synthesis of H2S over persulfides. Mathematical modeling at physiologically relevant hepatic substrate concentrations predicts that H2S rather than Cys-SSH is the primary product of the transsulfuration enzymes with CSE being the dominant producer. The half-life of the metastable Cys-SSH product is short and decomposition leads to a mixture of polysulfides (Cys-S-(S)n-S-Cys). These in vitro data, together with the intrinsic reactivity of Cys-SSH for cysteinyl versus sulfur transfer, are consistent with the absence of an observable increase in protein persulfidation in cells in response to exogenous cystine and evidence for the formation of polysulfides under these conditions.

Calorie restriction and methionine restriction in control of endogenous hydrogen sulfide production by the transsulfuration pathway

H2S is a gas easily identified by its distinctive odor. Although environmental exposure to H2S has been viewed alternately as therapeutic or toxic through the centuries, H2S has recently regained recognition for its numerous beneficial biological effects. Most experiments documenting such benefits, including improved glucose tolerance, increased stress resistance, and even lifespan extension, are based on exposure of experimental organisms to exogenous sources of H2S. However, appreciation is growing for the importance of H2S produced endogenously by the evolutionary conserved transsulfuration pathway (TSP) in health and longevity. Recent data implicate H2S produced by the TSP in pleiotropic benefits of dietary restriction (DR), or reduced nutrient/energy intake without malnutrition. DR, best known as the most reliable way to extend lifespan in a wide range of experimental organisms, includes various regimens aimed at either reducing overall calorie intake (calorie restriction, intermittent/every-other-day fasting) or reducing particular nutrients such as protein or the essential amino acid, methionine (methionine restriction), with overlapping functional benefits on stress resistance, metabolic fitness and lifespan. Here we will review the small but growing body of literature linking the TSP to the functional benefits of DR in part through the production of endogenous H2S, with an emphasis on regulation of the TSP and H2S production by diet and mechanisms of beneficial H2S action.

Long-lived Snell dwarf mice display increased proteostatic mechanisms that are not dependent on decreased mTORC1 activity

Maintaining proteostasis is thought to be a key factor in slowed aging. In several growth-restricted models of long-life, we have shown evidence of increased proteostatic mechanisms, suggesting that proteostasis may be a shared characteristic of slowed aging. The Snell dwarf mouse is generated through the mutation of the Pit-1 locus causing reductions in multiple hormonal growth factors and mTORC1 signaling. Snell dwarfs are one of the longest lived rodent models of slowed aging. We hypothesized that proteostatic mechanisms would be increased in Snell compared to control (Con) as in other models of slowed aging. Using D₂O, we simultaneously assessed protein synthesis in multiple subcellular fractions along with DNA synthesis in skeletal muscle, heart, and liver over 2 weeks in both sexes. We also assessed mTORC1-substrate phosphorylation. Skeletal muscle protein synthesis was decreased in all protein fractions of Snell compared to Con, varied by fraction in heart, and was not different between groups in liver. DNA synthesis was lower in Snell skeletal muscle and heart but not in liver when compared to Con. The new protein to new DNA synthesis ratio was increased threefold in Snell skeletal muscle and heart compared to Con. Snell mTORC1-substrate phosphorylation was decreased only in heart and liver. No effect of sex was seen in this study. Together with our previous investigations in long-lived models, we provide evidence further supporting proteostasis as a shared characteristic of slowed aging and show that increased proteostatic mechanisms may not necessarily require a decrease in mTORC1.

Sulfur as a signaling nutrient through hydrogen sulfide

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) has emerged as an important signaling molecule with beneficial effects on various cellular processes affecting, for example, cardiovascular and neurological functions. The physiological importance of H₂S is motivating efforts to develop strategies for modulating its levels. However, advancement in the field of H₂S-based therapeutics is hampered by fundamental gaps in our knowledge of how H₂S is regulated, its mechanism of action, and its molecular targets. This review provides an overview of sulfur metabolism; describes recent progress that has shed light on the mechanism of H₂S as a signaling molecule; and examines nutritional regulation of sulfur metabolism, which pertains to health and disease.

Growth hormone signaling is necessary for lifespan extension by dietary methionine

Growth hormone significantly impacts lifespan in mammals. Mouse longevity is extended when growth hormone (GH) signaling is interrupted but markedly shortened with high-plasma hormone levels. Methionine metabolism is enhanced in growth hormone deficiency, for example, in the Ames dwarf, but suppressed in GH transgenic mice. Methionine intake affects also lifespan, and thus, GH mutant mice and respective wild-type littermates were fed 0.16%, 0.43%, or 1.3% methionine to evaluate the interaction between hormone status and methionine. All wild-type and GH transgenic mice lived longer when fed 0.16% methionine but not when fed higher levels. In contrast, animals without growth hormone signaling due to hormone deficiency or resistance did not respond to altered levels of methionine in terms of lifespan, body weight, or food consumption. Taken together, our results suggest that the presence of growth hormone is necessary to sense dietary methionine changes, thus strongly linking growth and lifespan to amino acid availability.

Organization of the human mitochondrial hydrogen sulfide oxidation pathway

Sulfide oxidation is expected to play an important role in cellular switching between low steady-state intracellular hydrogen sulfide levels and the higher concentrations where the physiological effects are elicited. Yet despite its significance, fundamental questions regarding how the sulfide oxidation pathway is wired remain unanswered, and competing proposals exist that diverge at the very first step catalyzed by sulfide quinone oxidoreductase (SQR). We demonstrate that, in addition to sulfite, glutathione functions as a persulfide acceptor for human SQR and that rhodanese preferentially synthesizes rather than utilizes thiosulfate. The kinetic behavior of these enzymes provides compelling evidence for the flow of sulfide via SQR to glutathione persulfide, which is then partitioned to thiosulfate or sulfite. Kinetic simulations at physiologically relevant metabolite concentrations provide additional support for the organizational logic of the sulfide oxidation pathway in which glutathione persulfide is the first intermediate formed.

Methionine restriction activates the retrograde response and confers both stress tolerance and lifespan extension to yeast, mouse and human cells

A methionine-restricted diet robustly improves healthspan in key model organisms. For example, methionine restriction reduces age-related pathologies and extends lifespan up to 45% in rodents. However, the mechanisms underlying these benefits remain largely unknown. We tested whether the yeast chronological aging assay could model the benefits of methionine restriction, and found that this intervention extends lifespan when enforced by either dietary or genetic approaches, and furthermore, that the observed lifespan extension is due primarily to reduced acid accumulation. In addition, methionine restriction-induced lifespan extension requires the activity of the retrograde response, which regulates nuclear gene expression in response to changes in mitochondrial function. Consistent with an involvement of stress-responsive retrograde signaling, we also found that methionine-restricted yeast are more stress tolerant than control cells. Prompted by these findings in yeast, we tested the effects of genetic methionine restriction on the stress tolerance and replicative lifespans of cultured mouse and human fibroblasts. We found that such methionine-restricted mammalian cells are resistant to numerous cytotoxic stresses, and are substantially longer-lived than control cells. In addition, similar to yeast, the extended lifespan of methionine-restricted mammalian cells is associated with NFκB-mediated retrograde signaling. Overall, our data suggest that improved stress tolerance and extension of replicative lifespan may contribute to the improved healthspan observed in methionine-restricted rodents, and also support the possibility that manipulation of the pathways engaged by methionine restriction may improve healthspan in humans.