Control of extracellular cysteine/cystine redox state by HT-29 cells is independent of cellular glutathione

Extracellularly secreted cysteine derived from cystine regulates oxidative and electrophilic stress in HepG2 cells

While cysteine (CysSH) is known to be exported into the extracellular space, its biological significance is not well understood. The present study examined the movement of extracellular CysSH using stable isotope-labeled cystine (CysSSCys), which is transported into cells and reduced to CysSH. Exposure of HepG2 cells to 100 µM stable isotope-labeled CysSSCys resulted in 70 µM labeled CysSH in cell medium 1 h after CysSSCys exposure. When the cell medium was collected and incubated with either hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or atmospheric electrophiles, such as 1,2-naphthoquinone, 1,4-naphthoquinone and 1,4-benzoquinone, CysSH in the cell medium was almost completely consumed. In contrast, extracellular levels of CysSH were unaltered during exposure of HepG2 cells to H2O2 for up to 2 h, suggesting redox cycling of CysSSCys/CysSH in the cell system. Experiments with and without changing cell medium containing CysSH from HepG2 cells revealed that oxidative and electrophilic modifications of cellular proteins, caused by exposure to H2O2 and 1,2-naphthoquinone, were significantly repressed by CysSH in the medium. We also examined participation of enzymes and/or antioxidants in intracellular reduction of CysSSCys to CysSH. These results provide new findings that extracellular CysSH derived from CysSSCys plays a role in the regulation of oxidative and electrophilic stress.

Biochemical Control of the Mitochondrial Protein MitoNEET by Biological Thiols and Lipid-derived Electrophiles

MitoNEET is a mitochondrial [2Fe-2S] protein known for its involvement in cellular metabolism, iron regulation, and oxidative stress. The protein has been associated with diseases ranging from diabetes to Parkinson's disease which has prompted development of compounds designed to selectively target mitoNEET. Unfortunately, drug development is limited due to a lack of understanding on the mechanistic level how mitoNEET integrates into pathophysiological processes. In particular, biological compounds that govern mitoNEET function are still ill defined. We demonstrate an oxygen-dependent reaction with biological thiols catalyzed by mitoNEET. Furthermore, we observed that formation of a covalently linked mitoNEET homodimer is controlled by both thiols and lipid-derived electrophiles. Finally, we demonstrate that reduced glutathione (L-GSH) regulates the reactivity of two lipid-derived biomarkers of oxidative stress, 4-HNE and 4-ONE, towards mitoNEET. We find that exposure to L-GSH prior to treatment with either of the electrophilic aldehydes prevents the formation of the covalently linked mitoNEET dimer. Meanwhile, addition of L-GSH after electrophile treatment recovers mitoNEET from the 4-HNE induced modification but not from the modification induced by 4-ONE. Our results collectively suggest that the thiol-electrophile redox balance governing ferroptotic cell death also controls mitoNEET's state at multiple biochemical levels. These results indicate a possible role for mitoNEET in thiol-mediated oxidative stress and may inform about development of probes designed to modulate mitoNEET activity to improve pathophysiological states.

Capture of Electrophilic Quinones in the Extracellular Space: Evidence for a Phase Zero Reaction

Electrophilic quinones are produced during the combustion of gasoline in the atmosphere. Although these reactive species covalently bind to protein-based nucleophiles in cells, resulting in the formation of protein adducts involved in the modulation of redox signaling pathways and cytotoxicity, the extracellular regulation of quinones is not understood. In this study, incubation of 1,2-naphthoquinone (1,2-NQ) with the low-molecular-weight fraction of mouse plasma resulted in the consumption of cysteine (CysSH) in the plasma in a concentration-dependent manner. Covalent modification of albumin was markedly repressed by the addition of either the low-molecular-weight fraction of mouse plasma or CysSH, suggesting that CysSH protects by forming a conjugate with 1,2-NQ. Similar phenomena also occurred for other atmospheric quinones 1,4-NQ and 1,4-benzoquinone (1,4-BQ). The addition of cystine to a culture medium without amino acids enhanced the release of CysSH from A431 cells and blocked 1,2-NQ-mediated arylation of intracellular proteins, suggesting that 1,2-NQ interacts with extracellular CysSH. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis revealed that 1,2-NQ and 1,4-BQ undergoes nucleophilic attack by CysSH, yielding a 1,2-NQH₂-SCys adduct and 1,4-BQH₂-SCys adduct, respectively. Unlike 1,2-NQ and 1,4-BQ, the authentic 1,2-NQH₂-SCys adduct and 1,4-BQH₂-SCys adduct had little effect on the covalent modification of cellular proteins and viability of A431 cells. These results suggest that electrophilic quinones are readily trapped by CysSH released from A431 cells, forming less-toxic CysSH adducts and thereby repressing covalent modification of cellular proteins. These findings provide evidence for the existence of a "phase zero" reaction of electrophiles prior to their uptake by cells.

Structural investigation of human cystine/glutamate antiporter system xc− (Sxc−) using homology modeling and molecular dynamics

The cystine/glutamate antiporter system xc− (Sxc−) belongs to the SLC7 family of plasma membrane transporters. It exports intracellular glutamate along the latter’s concentration gradient as a driving force for cellular uptake of cystine. Once imported, cystine is mainly used for the production of glutathione, a tripeptide thiol crucial in maintenance of redox homeostasis and protection of cells against oxidative stress. Overexpression of Sxc− has been found in several cancer cells, where it is thought to counteract the increased oxidative stress. In addition, Sxc− is important in the central nervous system, playing a complex role in regulating glutamatergic neurotransmission and glutamate toxicity. Accordingly, this transporter is considered a potential target for the treatment of cancer as well as neurodegenerative diseases. Till now, no specific inhibitors are available. We herein present four conformations of Sxc− along its transport pathway, obtained using multi-template homology modeling and refined by means of Molecular Dynamics. Comparison with a very recently released cryo-EM structure revealed an excellent agreement with our inward-open conformation. Intriguingly, our models contain a structured N-terminal domain that is unresolved in the experimental structures and is thought to play a gating role in the transport mechanism of other SLC7 family members. In contrast to the inward-open model, there is no direct experimental counterpart for the other three conformations we obtained, although they are in fair agreement with the other stages of the transport mechanism seen in other SLC7 transporters. Therefore, our models open the prospect for targeting alternative Sxc− conformations in structure-based drug design efforts.

Redox States of Protein Cysteines in Pathways of Protein Turnover and Cytoskeleton Dynamics Are Changed with Aging and Reversed by Slc7a11 Restoration in Mouse Lung Fibroblasts

Slc7a11 is the key component of system X_c⁻, an antiporter that imports cystine (CySS) and exports glutamate. It plays an important role in cellular defense against oxidative stress because cysteine (Cys), reduced from CySS, is used for and limits the synthesis of glutathione (GSH). We have shown that downregulation of Slc7a11 is responsible for oxidation of extracellular Cys/CySS redox potential in lung fibroblasts from old mice. However, how age-related change of Slc7a11 expression affects the intracellular redox environment of mouse lung fibroblasts remains unexplored. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of aging on the redox states of intracellular proteins and to examine whether Slc7a11 contributes to the age-dependent effects. Iodoacetyl Tandem Mass Tags were used to differentially label reduced and oxidized forms of Cys residues in primary lung fibroblasts from young and old mice, as well as old fibroblasts transfected with Slc7a11. The ratio of oxidized/reduced forms (i.e., redox state) of a Cys residue was determined via multiplexed tandem mass spectrometry. Redox states of 151 proteins were different in old fibroblasts compared to young fibroblasts. Slc7a11 overexpression restored redox states of 104 (69%) of these proteins. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) showed that age-dependent Slc7a11-responsive proteins were involved in pathways of protein translation initiation, ubiquitin-proteasome-mediated degradation, and integrin-cytoskeleton-associated signaling. Gene ontology analysis showed cell adhesion, protein translation, and organization of actin cytoskeleton were among the top enriched terms for biological process. Protein-protein interaction network demonstrated the interactions between components of the three enriched pathways predicted by IPA. Follow-up experiments confirmed that proteasome activity was lower in old cells than in young cells and that upregulation of Slc7a11 expression by sulforaphane restored this activity. This study finds that aging results in changes of redox states of proteins involved in protein turnover and cytoskeleton dynamics, and that upregulating Slc7a11 can partially restore the redox states of these proteins.

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.

The role of thiols in antioxidant systems

The sulfur biochemistry of the thiol group endows cysteines with a number of highly specialized and unique features that enable them to serve a variety of different functions in the cell. Typically highly conserved in proteins, cysteines are predominantly found in functionally or structurally crucial regions, where they act as stabilizing, catalytic, metal-binding and/or redox-regulatory entities. As highly abundant low molecular weight thiols, cysteine thiols and their oxidized disulfide counterparts are carefully balanced to maintain redox homeostasis in various cellular compartments, protect organisms from oxidative and xenobiotic stressors and partake actively in redox-regulatory and signaling processes. In this review, we will discuss the role of protein thiols as scavengers of hydrogen peroxide in antioxidant enzymes, use thiol peroxidases to exemplify how protein thiols contribute to redox signaling, provide an overview over the diverse set of low molecular weight thiol-based redox systems found in biology, and illustrate how thiol-based redox systems have evolved not only to protect against but to take full advantage of a world full of molecular oxygen.

Proteogenomic landscape of squamous cell lung cancer

How genomic and transcriptomic alterations affect the functional proteome in lung cancer is not fully understood. Here, we integrate DNA copy number, somatic mutations, RNA-sequencing, and expression proteomics in a cohort of 108 squamous cell lung cancer (SCC) patients. We identify three proteomic subtypes, two of which (Inflamed, Redox) comprise 87% of tumors. The Inflamed subtype is enriched with neutrophils, B-cells, and monocytes and expresses more PD-1. Redox tumours are enriched for oxidation-reduction and glutathione pathways and harbor more NFE2L2/KEAP1 alterations and copy gain in the 3q2 locus. Proteomic subtypes are not associated with patient survival. However, B-cell-rich tertiary lymph node structures, more common in Inflamed, are associated with better survival. We identify metabolic vulnerabilities (TP63, PSAT1, and TFRC) in Redox. Our work provides a powerful resource for lung SCC biology and suggests therapeutic opportunities based on redox metabolism and immune cell infiltrates.

Squamous cell lung cancer has dismal prognosis due to the dearth of effective treatments. Here, the authors perform an integrated proteogenomic analysis of the disease, revealing three proteomics-based subtypes and suggesting potential therapeutic opportunities.

Reactive oxygen species in colorectal cancer: The therapeutic impact and its potential roles in tumor progression via perturbation of cellular and physiological dysregulated pathways

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced by mitochondria during metabolism. In physiological states, the production of ROS and their elimination by antioxidants are kept in balance. However, in pathological states, elevated levels of ROS interact with susceptible cellular target compounds including lipids, proteins, and DNA and deregulate oncogenic signaling pathways that are involved in colorectal cancer (CRC) carcinogenesis. Although antioxidant compounds have been successfully used in the treatment of CRC as prevention approaches, they have also been shown in some cases to promote disease progression. In this review, we focus on the role of ROS in gastrointestinal homeostasis, CRC progression, diagnosis, and therapy with particular emphasis on ROS-stimulated pathways.

Redox properties of Cys2His2 and Cys4 zinc fingers determined by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

Zinc finger (ZF) protein motifs, stabilized by binding of Zn(II), typically function as interaction modules that bind nucleic acids, proteins and other molecules. The elucidation of the redox states of ZF proteins in cellular conditions, which depend on their midpoint redox potentials, is important for understanding of ZF functioning. In the present study we determined the midpoint redox potentials for representatives of Cys₂His₂ and Cys₄ types of ZF proteins in apo and Zn(II)-bound forms using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The midpoint redox potentials of the apo forms of Cys₂His₂ and Cys₄ ZF proteins were -326 and -365 mV (pH 7.5), respectively. These values are close to the cytosolic redox potential of approx. -350 mV (pH 7.5) and thus we can conclude that the apo form of Cys₂His₂-type ZF proteins is predominantly reduced but apo forms of Cys₄-type ZF proteins should be substantially oxidized in the cytoplasm. As expected, Zn(II) binding stabilized the reduced forms of both ZF proteins: the corresponding redox potential values were -284 and -301 mV, respectively. Consequently, binding of Zn(II) ions to ZF motifs can act as a sensitive switch that activates the functioning of the ZF motifs within the cell, and also protects them from oxidation and can function as part of a redox-sensitive regulation mechanism of cellular functions.

Age-dependent oxidation of extracellular cysteine/cystine redox state (Eh(Cys/CySS)) in mouse lung fibroblasts is mediated by a decline in Slc7a11 expression

Aging is associated with progressive oxidation of the extracellular environment. The redox state of human plasma, defined by the concentrations of cysteine (Cys) and cystine (CySS), becomes more oxidized as we age. Recently, we showed that fibroblasts isolated from the lungs of young and old mice retain this differential phenotype; old cells produce and maintain a more oxidizing extracellular redox potential (E_h(Cys/CySS)) than young cells. Microarray analysis identified down-regulation of Slc7a11, the light subunit of the CySS/glutamate transporter, as a potential mediator of age-related oxidation in these cells. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the mechanistic link between Slc7a11 expression and extracellular E_h(Cys/CySS). Sulforaphane treatment or overexpression of Slc7a11 was used to increase Slc7a11 in lung fibroblasts from old mice, and sulfasalazine treatment or siRNA-mediated knock down was used to decrease Slc7a11 in young fibroblasts. Slc7a11 mRNA levels were measured by real-time PCR, Slc7a11 activity was determined by measuring the rate of glutamate release, Cys, CySS, glutathione (GSH) and its disulfide (GSSG) were measured by HPLC, and E_h(Cys/CySS) was calculated from the Nernst equation. The results showed that both E_h(Cys/CySS) and E_h(GSH/GSSG) were more oxidized in the conditioned media of old cells than in young cells. Up-regulation of Slc7a11 via overexpression or sulforaphane treatment restored extracellular E_h(Cys/CySS) in cultures of old cells, whereas down-regulation reproduced the oxidizing E_h(Cys/CySS) in young cells. Only sulforaphane treatment was able to increase total GSH and restore E_h(GSH/GSSG), whereas overexpression, knock down and sulfasalazine had no effect on these parameters. In addition, inhibition of GSH synthesis with buthionine sulfoximine had no effect on the ability of cells to restore their extracellular redox potential in response to an oxidative challenge. In conclusion, our study reveals Slc7a11 is the key regulator of age-dependent changes in extracellular E_h(Cys/CySS) in primary mouse lung fibroblasts, and its effects are not dependent on GSH synthesis.

Redox theory of aging: implications for health and disease

Genetics ultimately defines an individual, yet the phenotype of an adult is extensively determined by the sequence of lifelong exposures, termed the exposome. The redox theory of aging recognizes that animals evolved within an oxygen-rich environment, which created a critical redox interface between an organism and its environment. Advances in redox biology show that redox elements are present throughout metabolic and structural systems and operate as functional networks to support the genome in adaptation to environmental resources and challenges during lifespan. These principles emphasize that physical and functional phenotypes of an adult are determined by gene-environment interactions from early life onward. The principles highlight the critical nature of cumulative exposure memories in defining changes in resilience progressively during life. Both plasma glutathione and cysteine systems become oxidized with aging, and the recent finding that cystine to glutathione ratio in human plasma predicts death in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients suggests this could provide a way to measure resilience of redox networks in aging and disease. The emerging concepts of cumulative gene-environment interactions warrant focused efforts to elucidate central mechanisms by which exposure memory governs health and etiology, onset and progression of disease.

Redox signaling in the gastrointestinal tract

Redox signaling regulates physiological self-renewal, proliferation, migration and differentiation in gastrointestinal epithelium by modulating Wnt/β-catenin and Notch signaling pathways mainly through NADPH oxidases (NOXs). In the intestine, intracellular and extracellular thiol redox status modulates the proliferative potential of epithelial cells. Furthermore, commensal bacteria contribute to intestine epithelial homeostasis through NOX1- and dual oxidase 2-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS). The loss of redox homeostasis is involved in the pathogenesis and development of a wide diversity of gastrointestinal disorders, such as Barrett's esophagus, esophageal adenocarcinoma, peptic ulcer, gastric cancer, ischemic intestinal injury, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer. The overproduction of superoxide anion together with inactivation of superoxide dismutase are involved in the pathogenesis of Barrett's esophagus and its transformation to adenocarcinoma. In Helicobacter pylori-induced peptic ulcer, oxidative stress derived from the leukocyte infiltrate and NOX1 aggravates mucosal damage, especially in HspB+ strains that downregulate Nrf2. In celiac disease, oxidative stress mediates most of the cytotoxic effects induced by gluten peptides and increases transglutaminase levels, whereas nitrosative stress contributes to the impairment of tight junctions. Progression of inflammatory bowel disease relies on the balance between pro-inflammatory redox-sensitive pathways, such as NLRP3 inflammasome and NF-κB, and the adaptive up-regulation of Mn superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase 2. In colorectal cancer, redox signaling exhibits two Janus faces: On the one hand, NOX1 up-regulation and derived hydrogen peroxide enhance Wnt/β-catenin and Notch proliferating pathways; on the other hand, ROS may disrupt tumor progression through different pro-apoptotic mechanisms. In conclusion, redox signaling plays a critical role in the physiology and pathophysiology of gastrointestinal tract.

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.

Redox-Triggered Release of Moxifloxacin from Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Functionalized with Disulfide Snap-Tops Enhances Efficacy Against Pneumonic Tularemia in Mice

Effective and rapid treatment of tularemia is needed to reduce morbidity and mortality of this potentially fatal infectious disease. The etiologic agent, Francisella tularensis, is a facultative intracellular bacterial pathogen which infects and multiplies to high numbers in macrophages. Nanotherapeutics are particularly promising for treatment of infectious diseases caused by intracellular pathogens, whose primary host cells are macrophages, because nanoparticles preferentially target and are avidly internalized by macrophages. A mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN) has been developed functionalized with disulfide snap-tops that has high drug loading and selectively releases drug intracellularly in response to the redox potential. These nanoparticles, when loaded with Hoechst fluorescent dye, release their cargo exclusively intracellularly and stain the nuclei of macrophages. The MSNs loaded with moxifloxacin kill F. tularensis in macrophages in a dose-dependent fashion. In a mouse model of lethal pneumonic tularemia, MSNs loaded with moxifloxacin prevent weight loss, illness, and death, markedly reduce the burden of F. tularensis in the lung, liver, and spleen, and are significantly more efficacious than an equivalent amount of free drug. An important proof-of-principle for the potential therapeutic use of a novel nanoparticle drug delivery platform for the treatment of infectious diseases is provided.

Lung extracellular matrix and redox regulation

Pulmonary fibrosis affects millions worldwide and, even though there has been a significant investment in understanding the processes involved in wound healing and maladaptive repair, a complete understanding of the mechanisms responsible for lung fibrogenesis eludes us, and interventions capable of reversing or halting disease progression are not available. Pulmonary fibrosis is characterized by the excessive expression and uncontrolled deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins resulting in erosion of the tissue structure. Initially considered an 'end-stage' process elicited after injury, these events are now considered pathogenic and are believed to contribute to the course of the disease. By interacting with integrins capable of signal transduction and by influencing tissue mechanics, ECM proteins modulate processes ranging from cell adhesion and migration to differentiation and growth factor expression. In doing so, ECM proteins help orchestrate complex developmental processes and maintain tissue homeostasis. However, poorly controlled deposition of ECM proteins promotes inflammation, fibroproliferation, and aberrant differentiation of cells, and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis, atherosclerosis and cancer. Considering their vital functions, ECM proteins are the target of investigation, and oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions have emerged as important regulators of the ECM. Oxidative stress invariably accompanies lung disease and promotes ECM expression directly or through the overproduction of pro-fibrotic growth factors, while affecting integrin binding and activation. In vitro and in vivo investigations point to redox reactions as targets for intervention in pulmonary fibrosis and related disorders, but studies in humans have been disappointing probably due to the narrow impact of the interventions tested, and our poor understanding of the factors that regulate these complex reactions. This review is not meant to provide a comprehensive review of this field, but rather to highlight what has been learned and to raise interest in this area in need of much attention.

The cysteine proteome

The cysteine (Cys) proteome is a major component of the adaptive interface between the genome and the exposome. The thiol moiety of Cys undergoes a range of biologic modifications enabling biological switching of structure and reactivity. These biological modifications include sulfenylation and disulfide formation, formation of higher oxidation states, S-nitrosylation, persulfidation, metalation, and other modifications. Extensive knowledge about these systems and their compartmentalization now provides a foundation to develop advanced integrative models of Cys proteome regulation. In particular, detailed understanding of redox signaling pathways and sensing networks is becoming available to allow the discrimination of network structures. This research focuses attention on the need for atlases of Cys modifications to develop systems biology models. Such atlases will be especially useful for integrative studies linking the Cys proteome to imaging and other omics platforms, providing a basis for improved redox-based therapeutics. Thus, a framework is emerging to place the Cys proteome as a complement to the quantitative proteome in the omics continuum connecting the genome to the exposome.

Redox chemistry and chemical biology of H2S, hydropersulfides, and derived species: implications of their possible biological activity and utility

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an endogenously generated and putative signaling/effector molecule. Despite its numerous reported functions, the chemistry by which it elicits its functions is not understood. Moreover, recent studies allude to the existence of other sulfur species besides H2S that may play critical physiological roles. Herein, the basic chemical biology of H2S as well as other related or derived species is discussed and reviewed. This review particularly focuses on the per- and polysulfides which are likely in equilibrium with free H2S and which may be important biological effectors themselves.

Selective targeting of the cysteine proteome by thioredoxin and glutathione redox systems

Thioredoxin (Trx) and GSH are the major thiol antioxidants protecting cells from oxidative stress-induced cytotoxicity. Redox states of Trx and GSH have been used as indicators of oxidative stress. Accumulating studies suggest that Trx and GSH redox systems regulate cell signaling and metabolic pathways differently and independently during diverse stressful conditions. In the current study, we used a mass spectrometry-based redox proteomics approach to test responses of the cysteine (Cys) proteome to selective disruption of the Trx- and GSH-dependent systems. Auranofin (ARF) was used to inhibit Trx reductase without detectable oxidation of the GSH/GSSG couple, and buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) was used to deplete GSH without detectable oxidation of Trx1. Results for 606 Cys-containing peptides (peptidyl Cys) showed that 36% were oxidized more than 1.3-fold by ARF, whereas BSO-induced oxidation of peptidyl Cys was only 10%. Mean fold oxidation of these peptides was also higher by ARF than BSO treatment. Analysis of potential functional pathways showed that ARF oxidized peptides associated with glycolysis, cytoskeleton remodeling, translation and cell adhesion. Of 60 peptidyl Cys oxidized due to depletion of GSH, 41 were also oxidized by ARF and included proteins of translation and cell adhesion but not glycolysis or cytoskeletal remodeling. Studies to test functional correlates showed that pyruvate kinase activity and lactate levels were decreased with ARF but not BSO, confirming the effects on glycolysis-associated proteins are sensitive to oxidation by ARF. These data show that the Trx system regulates a broader range of proteins than the GSH system, support distinct function of Trx and GSH in cellular redox control, and show for the first time in mammalian cells selective targeting peptidyl Cys and biological pathways due to deficient function of the Trx system.

Activating the Nrf2-mediated antioxidant response element restores barrier function in the alveolar epithelium of HIV-1 transgenic rats

The master transcription factor nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) regulates the expression of antioxidant and phase II-metabolizing enzymes by activating the antioxidant response element (ARE) and thereby protects cells and tissues from oxidative stress. Pulmonary complications remain the leading cause of death in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1-infected individuals, who display systemic oxidative stress and glutathione deficiency that can be modeled in transgenic rats where HIV-1-related viral proteins decrease glutathione levels and cause epithelial barrier dysfunction within the alveolar space by as yet unknown mechanisms. We hypothesized that HIV-1-related proteins inhibit Nrf2-mediated antioxidant defenses and thereby disrupt the normally tight alveolar epithelial barrier. Nrf2 RNA silencing dampened Nrf2/ARE activity, decreased the expression of the tight junction proteins zonula occludens-1, occludin, and claudin-18, increased paracellular permeability of alveolar epithelial monolayers derived from wild-type rats, and therefore reproduced the effects of HIV-1 transgene expression on the epithelial barrier that we had previously described. In contrast, upregulating Nrf2 activity, either by plasmid-mediated overexpression or treatment with the Nrf2 activator sulforaphane, increased the expression of ARE-dependent antioxidants, including NAD(P)H dehydrogenase, quinone 1 and glutathione, improved the expression of tight junction proteins, and restored the ability to form tight barriers in alveolar epithelial cells from HIV-1 transgenic rats. Taken together, these new findings argue that HIV-1-related proteins downregulate Nrf2 expression and/or activity within the alveolar epithelium, which in turn impairs antioxidant defenses and barrier function, thereby rendering the lung susceptible to oxidative stress and injury. Furthermore, this study suggests that activating the Nrf2/ARE pathway with the dietary supplement sulforaphane could augment antioxidant defenses and lung health in HIV-1-infected individuals.

Low-molecular-weight thiols in thiol-disulfide exchange

SIGNIFICANCE

Oxidative stress is widely invoked in inflammation, aging, and complex diseases. To avoid unwanted oxidations, the redox environment of cellular compartments needs to be tightly controlled. The complementary action of oxidoreductases and of high concentrations of low-molecular-weight (LMW) nonprotein thiols plays an essential role in maintaining the redox potential of the cell in balance.

RECENT ADVANCES

While LMW thiols are central players in an extensive range of redox regulation/metabolism processes, not all organisms use the same thiol cofactors to this effect, as evidenced by the recent discovery of mycothiol (MSH) and bacillithiol (BSH) among different gram-positive bacteria.

CRITICAL ISSUES

LMW thiol-disulfide exchange processes and their cellular implications are often oversimplified, as only the biology of the free thiols and their symmetrical disulfides is considered. In bacteria under oxidative stress, especially where concentrations of different LMW thiols are comparable [e.g., BSH, coenzyme A (CoA), and cysteine (Cys) in many low-G+C gram-positive bacteria (Firmicutes)], mixed disulfides (e.g., CoASSB and CySSCoA) must surely be major thiol-redox metabolites that need to be taken into consideration.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

There are many microorganisms whose LMW thiol-redox buffers have not yet been identified (either bioinformatically or experimentally). Many elements of BSH and MSH redox biochemistry remain to be explored. The fundamental biophysical properties, thiol pK(a) and redox potential, have not yet been determined, and the protein interactome in which the biothiols MSH and BSH are involved needs further exploration.

The cystine/glutamate antiporter system x(c)(-) in health and disease: from molecular mechanisms to novel therapeutic opportunities

The antiporter system x(c)(-) imports the amino acid cystine, the oxidized form of cysteine, into cells with a 1:1 counter-transport of glutamate. It is composed of a light chain, xCT, and a heavy chain, 4F2 heavy chain (4F2hc), and, thus, belongs to the family of heterodimeric amino acid transporters. Cysteine is the rate-limiting substrate for the important antioxidant glutathione (GSH) and, along with cystine, it also forms a key redox couple on its own. Glutamate is a major neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS). By phylogenetic analysis, we show that system x(c)(-) is a rather evolutionarily new amino acid transport system. In addition, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the molecular mechanisms that regulate system x(c)(-), including the transcriptional regulation of the xCT light chain, posttranscriptional mechanisms, and pharmacological inhibitors of system x(c)(-). Moreover, the roles of system x(c)(-) in regulating GSH levels, the redox state of the extracellular cystine/cysteine redox couple, and extracellular glutamate levels are discussed. In vitro, glutamate-mediated system x(c)(-) inhibition leads to neuronal cell death, a paradigm called oxidative glutamate toxicity, which has successfully been used to identify neuroprotective compounds. In vivo, xCT has a rather restricted expression pattern with the highest levels in the CNS and parts of the immune system. System x(c)(-) is also present in the eye. Moreover, an elevated expression of xCT has been reported in cancer. We highlight the diverse roles of system x(c)(-) in the regulation of the immune response, in various aspects of cancer and in the eye and the CNS.

Thiol/disulfide redox states in signaling and sensing

Rapid advances in redox systems biology are creating new opportunities to understand complexities of human disease and contributions of environmental exposures. New understanding of thiol-disulfide systems have occurred during the past decade as a consequence of the discoveries that thiol and disulfide systems are maintained in kinetically controlled steady states displaced from thermodynamic equilibrium, that a widely distributed family of NADPH oxidases produces oxidants that function in cell signaling and that a family of peroxiredoxins utilize thioredoxin as a reductant to complement the well-studied glutathione antioxidant system for peroxide elimination and redox regulation. This review focuses on thiol/disulfide redox state in biologic systems and the knowledge base available to support development of integrated redox systems biology models to better understand the function and dysfunction of thiol-disulfide redox systems. In particular, central principles have emerged concerning redox compartmentalization and utility of thiol/disulfide redox measures as indicators of physiologic function. Advances in redox proteomics show that, in addition to functioning in protein active sites and cell signaling, cysteine residues also serve as redox sensors to integrate biologic functions. These advances provide a framework for translation of redox systems biology concepts to practical use in understanding and treating human disease. Biological responses to cadmium, a widespread environmental agent, are used to illustrate the utility of these advances to the understanding of complex pleiotropic toxicities.

Protein Cysteines Map to Functional Networks According to Steady-state Level of Oxidation

The cysteine (Cys) proteome serves critical roles in protein structure, function and regulation, and includes key targets in oxidative mechanisms of disease. Thioredoxins maintain Cys residues in thiol forms, and previous research shows that the redox potential of thioredoxin in mitochondria and nuclei is more reduced than cytoplasm, suggesting that proteins in these compartments may have different steady-state oxidation. This study measured fractional oxidation of 641 peptidyl Cys residues from 333 proteins in HT29 cells by mass spectrometry. Average oxidation of cytoplasmic, nuclear and mitochondrial proteins was similar (15.8, 15.5, 14%, respectively). Pathway analysis showed that more reduced cytoplasmic Cys were in proteins associated with the cytoskeleton, more reduced nuclear Cys with Ran signaling and RNA post-transcriptional modifcation, and more reduced mitochondrial Cys with energy metabolism, cell growth and cell proliferation. More oxidized cytoplasmic Cys included associations with PI3/Akt, Myc-mediated apoptosis and 14-3-3-mediated signaling. Weaker associations of oxidized nuclear and mitochondrial Cys occurred with granzyme B signaling and intermediary metabolism, respectively. Thus, steady-state peptidyl Cys oxidation is associated with functional pathways rather than simply with organellar distribution. This suggests that oxidative mechanisms of disease could target functional pathways or networks rather than individual proteins or subcellular compartments.

Differential regulation of tissue thiol-disulfide redox status in a murine model of peritonitis

BACKGROUND

Glutathione (GSH)/glutathione disulfide (GSSG) and cysteine (Cys)/cystine (CySS) are major redox pools with important roles in cytoprotection. We determined the impact of septic peritonitis on thiol-disulfide redox status in mice.

METHODS

FVB/N mice (6-12 week old; 8/group) underwent laparotomy with cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) or laparotomy alone (control). Sections of ileum, colon, lung and liver were obtained and GSH, GSSG, Cys and CySS concentrations determined by HPLC 24 h after laparotomy. Redox potential [Eh in millivolts (mV)] of the GSH/GSSG and Cys/CySS pools was calculated using the Nernst equation. Data were analyzed by ANOVA (mean ± SE).

RESULTS

GSH/GSSG Eh in ileum, colon, and liver was significantly oxidized in septic mice versus control mice (ileum: septic -202±4 versus control -228±2 mV; colon: -195±8 versus -214±1 mV; and liver: -194±3 vs. -210±1 mV, all P<0.01). Lung GSH/GSSG redox was similar in each group (-191±3 versus -190±2 mV). In contrast, ileal and colonic Cys/CySS Eh was unchanged with CLP, while liver and lung Cys/CySS Eh became significantly more reducing (liver: septic = -103±3 versus control -90±2 mV; lung: -101±5 versus -81±1 mV, each P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Septic peritonitis induced by CLP oxidizes ileal and colonic GSH/GSSG redox but Cys/CySS Eh remains unchanged in these intestinal tissues. In liver, CLP oxidizes the GSH/GSSG redox pool and CyS/CySS Eh becomes more reducing; in lung, CLP does not alter GSH/GSSG Eh, and Cys/CySS Eh is less oxidized. CLP-induced infection/inflammation differentially regulates major thiol-disulfide redox pools in this murine model.

Thinking outside the cleft to understand synaptic activity: contribution of the cystine-glutamate antiporter (System xc-) to normal and pathological glutamatergic signaling

System x(c)(-) represents an intriguing target in attempts to understand the pathological states of the central nervous system. Also called a cystine-glutamate antiporter, system x(c)(-) typically functions by exchanging one molecule of extracellular cystine for one molecule of intracellular glutamate. Nonvesicular glutamate released during cystine-glutamate exchange activates extrasynaptic glutamate receptors in a manner that shapes synaptic activity and plasticity. These findings contribute to the intriguing possibility that extracellular glutamate is regulated by a complex network of release and reuptake mechanisms, many of which are unique to glutamate and rarely depicted in models of excitatory signaling. Because system x(c)(-) is often expressed on non-neuronal cells, the study of cystine-glutamate exchange may advance the emerging viewpoint that glia are active contributors to information processing in the brain. It is noteworthy that system x(c)(-) is at the interface between excitatory signaling and oxidative stress, because the uptake of cystine that results from cystine-glutamate exchange is critical in maintaining the levels of glutathione, a critical antioxidant. As a result of these dual functions, system x(c)(-) has been implicated in a wide array of central nervous system diseases ranging from addiction to neurodegenerative disorders to schizophrenia. In the current review, we briefly discuss the major cellular components that regulate glutamate homeostasis, including glutamate release by system x(c)(-). This is followed by an in-depth discussion of system x(c)(-) as it relates to glutamate release, cystine transport, and glutathione synthesis. Finally, the role of system x(c)(-) is surveyed across a number of psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders.

Free cysteine modulates the conformation of human C/EBP homologous protein

The C/EBP Homologous Protein (CHOP) is a nuclear protein that is integral to the unfolded protein response culminating from endoplasmic reticulum stress. Previously, CHOP was shown to comprise extensive disordered regions and to self-associate in solution. In the current study, the intrinsically disordered nature of this protein was characterized further by comprehensive in silico analyses. Using circular dichroism, differential scanning calorimetry and nuclear magnetic resonance, we investigated the global conformation and secondary structure of CHOP and demonstrated, for the first time, that conformational changes in this protein can be induced by the free amino acid L-cysteine. Addition of L-cysteine caused a significant dose-dependent decrease in the protein helicity--dropping from 69.1% to 23.8% in the presence of 1 mM of L-cysteine--and a sequential transition to a more disordered state, unlike that caused by thermal denaturation. Furthermore, the presence of small amounts of free amino acid (80 µM, an 8:1 cysteine∶CHOP ratio) during CHOP thermal denaturation altered the molecular mechanism of its melting process, leading to a complex, multi-step transition. On the other hand, high levels (4 mM) of free L-cysteine seemed to cause a complete loss of rigid cooperatively melting structure. These results suggested a potential regulatory function of L-cysteine which may lead to changes in global conformation of CHOP in response to the cellular redox state and/or endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Redox-proteomics of the effects of homogentisic acid in an in vitro human serum model of alkaptonuric ochronosis

Alkaptonuria (AKU) is a rare inborn error of metabolism associated with a deficient activity of homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase (HGO), an enzyme involved in tyrosine and phenylalanine metabolism. Such a deficiency leads to the accumulation of homogentisic acid (HGA) and its oxidized/polymerized products in connective tissues, where melanin-like pigments accumulate (ochronosis). Ochronosis involves especially joints, where an ochronotic arthropathy develops. Little is known on the molecular mechanisms leading to ochronosis and ochronotic arthropathy in AKU. Previous works of ours showed that HGA in vitro propagates oxidative stress through its conversion into benzoquinone acetate (BQA). We hence used an in vitro model consisting of human serum treated with HGA and evaluated the activities of glutathione related anti-oxidant enzymes and levels of compounds indexes of oxidative stress. Proteomics and redox-proteomics were used to identify oxidized proteins and proteins more likely able to bind BQA. Overall, we found that the production of ochronotic pigment in HGA-treated serum is accompanied by lipid peroxidation, decreased activity of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase and massive depletion of thiol groups, together with increased protein carbonylation and thiol oxidation. We also found that BQA was likely to bind carrier proteins and naturally abundant serum proteins, eventually altering their chemico-physical properties. Concluding, our work points towards a critical importance of thiol compounds in counteracting HGA- and BQA- mediated stress in AKU, so that future research for disease biomarkers and pharmacological treatments for AKU and ochronosis will be more easily addressed.

The cystine/cysteine cycle and GSH are independent and crucial antioxidant systems in malignant melanoma cells and represent druggable targets

AIMS

Cancer chemoresistance is often due to upregulation of antioxidant systems. Therapeutic targeting of these systems is however hampered by their redundancy. Here, we have performed a functional dissection of the antioxidant systems in different melanoma cases aimed at the identification of the most effective redox active drug.

RESULTS

We have identified two crucial antioxidant mechanisms: glutathione (GSH), the major intracellular redox buffer, and the cystine/cysteine cycle, which switches the extracellular redox state from an oxidized to a reduced state. The two mechanisms are independent in melanoma cells and may be substitutes for each other, but targeting both of them is lethal. Exposure to the pro-oxidant compound As(2)O(3) induces an antioxidant response. However, while in these cells the intracellular redox balance remains almost unaffected, a reduced environment is generated extracellularly. GSH depletion by buthioninesulfoximine (BSO), or cystine/cysteine cycle inhibition by (S)-4-carboxyphenylglycine (sCPG), enhanced the sensitivity to As(2)O(3). Remarkably, sCPG also prevented the remodeling of the microenvironment redox state.

INNOVATION

We propose that the definition of the prevalent antioxidant system(s) in tumors is crucial for the design of tailored therapies involving redox-directed drugs in association with pro-oxidant drugs.

CONCLUSION

In melanoma cells, BSO is the best enhancer of As(2)O(3) sensitivity. However, since the strong remodeling of the microenvironmental redox state caused by As(2)O(3) may promote tumor progression, the concomitant use of cystine/cysteine cycle blockers is recommended.

Redox biology of the intestine

The intestinal tract, known for its capability for self-renew, represents the first barrier of defence between the organism and its luminal environment. The thiol/disulfide redox systems comprising the glutathione/glutathione disulfide (GSH/GSSG), cysteine/cystine (Cys/CySS) and reduced and oxidized thioredoxin (Trx/TrxSS) redox couples play important roles in preserving tissue redox homeostasis, metabolic functions, and cellular integrity. Control of the thiol-disulfide status at the luminal surface is essential for maintaining mucus fluidity and absorption of nutrients, and protection against chemical-induced oxidant injury. Within intestinal cells, these redox couples preserve an environment that supports physiological processes and orchestrates networks of enzymatic reactions against oxidative stress. In this review, we focus on the intestinal redox and antioxidant systems, their subcellular compartmentation, redox signalling and epithelial turnover, and contribution of luminal microbiota, key aspects that are relevant to understanding redox-dependent processes in gut biology with implications for degenerative digestive disorders, such as inflammation and cancer.

The rate of oxygen utilization by cells

The discovery of oxygen is considered by some to be the most important scientific discovery of all time--from both physical-chemical/astrophysics and biology/evolution viewpoints. One of the major developments during evolution is the ability to capture dioxygen in the environment and deliver it to each cell in the multicellular, complex mammalian body-on demand, i.e., just in time. Humans use oxygen to extract approximately 2550 calories (10.4 MJ) from food to meet daily energy requirements. This combustion requires about 22 mol of dioxygen per day, or 2.5×10(-4) mol s(-1). This is an average rate of oxygen utilization of 2.5×10(-18) mol cell(-1) s(-1), i.e., 2.5 amol cell(-1) s(-1). Cells have a wide range of oxygen utilization, depending on cell type, function, and biological status. Measured rates of oxygen utilization by mammalian cells in culture range from <1 to >350 amol cell(-1) s(-1). There is a loose positive linear correlation of the rate of oxygen consumption by mammalian cells in culture with cell volume and cell protein. The use of oxygen by cells and tissues is an essential aspect of the basic redox biology of cells and tissues. This type of quantitative information is fundamental to investigations in quantitative redox biology, especially redox systems biology.

The oxidative stress-inducible cystine/glutamate antiporter, system x (c) (-) : cystine supplier and beyond

The oxidative stress-inducible cystine/glutamate exchange system, system x (c) (-) , transports one molecule of cystine, the oxidized form of cysteine, into cells and thereby releases one molecule of glutamate into the extracellular space. It consists of two protein components, the 4F2 heavy chain, necessary for membrane location of the heterodimer, and the xCT protein, responsible for transport activity. Previously, system x (c) (-) has been regarded to be a mere supplier of cysteine to cells for the synthesis of proteins and the antioxidant glutathione (GSH). In that sense, oxygen, electrophilic agents, and bacterial lipopolysaccharide trigger xCT expression to accommodate with increased oxidative stress by stimulating GSH biosynthesis. However, emerging evidence established that system x (c) (-) may act on its own as a GSH-independent redox system by sustaining a redox cycle over the plasma membrane. Hallmarks of this cycle are cystine uptake, intracellular reduction to cysteine and secretion of the surplus of cysteine into the extracellular space. Consequently, increased levels of extracellular cysteine provide a reducing microenvironment required for proper cell signaling and communication, e.g. as already shown for the mechanism of T cell activation. By contrast, the enhanced release of glutamate in exchange with cystine may trigger neurodegeneration due to glutamate-induced cytotoxic processes. This review aims to provide a comprehensive picture from the early days of system x (c) (-) research up to now.

Cysteine/cystine redox signaling in cardiovascular disease

Extracellular thiol/disulfide redox environments are highly regulated in healthy individuals. The major thiol/disulfide redox couple in human plasma is cysteine (Cys) and its disulfide form, cystine (CySS). Oxidation of this redox couple, measured as a more positive steady-state redox potential (E(h)), is associated with risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), including aging, smoking, obesity, and alcohol abuse. Rodent and vascular cell studies show that the extracellular redox state of Cys/CySS (E(h)CySS) can play a vital role in controlling CVD through proinflammatory signaling. This inflammatory signaling is regulated by cell-surface protein redox state and involves mitochondrial oxidation, nuclear factor-κB activation, and elevated expression of genes for monocyte recruitment to endothelial cells. Gene array and proteomics studies reveal the global nature of redox effects, and different cell types, e.g., endothelial cells, monocytes, fibroblasts, and epithelial cells, show cell-specific redox responses with different phenotypic traits, e.g., proliferation and apoptosis, which can contribute to CVD. The critical nature of the proinflammatory redox signaling and cell biology associated with E(h)CySS supports the use of plasma levels of Cys, CySS, and E(h)CySS as key indicators of vascular health. Plasma redox-state-based pharmacologic interventions to control or improve E(h)CySS may be effective in preventing CVD onset or progression.

Mapping the cysteine proteome: analysis of redox-sensing thiols

The cysteine (Cys) proteome includes 214,000 Cys with thiol and other forms. A relatively small subset functions in cell signaling, while a larger number coordinate cell functions in response to redox state. The former are redox-signaling thiols while the latter are defined as redox-sensing thiols. Bulk measurements are not very informative for systems biology because reactivity of thiols in proteins differs by seven orders of magnitude. Proteomic databases contain annotation of Cys, for example, disulfides and zinc fingers, but do not include quantitative information necessary to develop functional models. Complementary databases and Cys proteome maps are needed to describe thiol redox circuits and connect these to functional redox-dependent pathways. This article summarizes progress in quantitative redox proteomics to develop such maps.

Design, synthesis, and evaluation of 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7-triacetic acid derived, redox-sensitive contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging

The design and synthesis of three 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7-triacetic acid (DO3A) derivatives bearing linkers with terminal thiol groups and a preliminary evaluation of their potential for use in assembling redox-sensitive magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents are reported. The linkers were selected on the basis of computational docking with a crystal structure of human serum albumin (HSA). Gd(III)-DO3A and Eu(III)-DO3A complexes were synthesized, and the structure of one complex was established by X-ray crystallographic analysis. The binding to HSA of a Gd(III)-DO3A complex bearing a thiol-terminated 3,6-dioxanonyl chain was competitively inhibited by homocysteine and by the corresponding Eu chelate. Binding to HSA was abolished when the terminal thiol group of this complex was absent. The longitudinal water-proton relaxivities (r(1)) of the three Gd(III)-DO3A complexes and of two Gd(III)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) complexes were measured in saline at 7 T. The DO3A complexes exhibited smaller r(1) values, in both bound and free states, than the DOTA complexes.

An oxidized extracellular oxidation-reduction state increases Nox1 expression and proliferation in vascular smooth muscle cells via epidermal growth factor receptor activation

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effect of an oxidized extracellular oxidation-reduction (redox) state (E(h)) on the expression of NADPH oxidases in vascular cells.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The generation of reactive oxygen species by NADPH oxidase (Nox)-based NADPH oxidases activates redox-dependent signaling pathways and contributes to the development of "oxidative stress" in vascular disease. An oxidized plasma redox state is associated with cardiovascular disease in humans; however, the cellular mechanisms by which the extracellular redox state may cause disease are not known. Aortic segments and cultured aortic smooth muscle cells were exposed to E(h) between -150 mV (reduced) and 0 mV (oxidized) by altering the concentration of cysteine and its disulfide, cystine, the predominant redox couple in plasma. A more oxidized E(h) increased the expression of Nox1 and resulted in Nox1-dependent proliferation of smooth muscle cells. Oxidized E(h) rapidly induced epidermal growth factor receptor phosphorylation via shedding of epidermal growth factor-like ligands from the plasma membrane and caused extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2-dependent phosphorylation of the transcription factors activating transcription factor-1 and cAMP-response element-binding protein. Inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor or extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 activation, or addition of small interference RNA to activating transcription factor-1, prevented the increase in Nox1 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results identify a novel mechanism by which extracellular oxidative stress increases expression and activity of Nox1 NADPH oxidase and contributes to vascular disease.

Characterization of apical and basal thiol-disulfide redox regulation in human colonic epithelial cells

Control of extracellular thiol-disulfide redox potential (E(h)) is necessary to protect cell surface proteins from external oxidative and reductive stresses. Previous studies show that human colonic epithelial Caco-2 cells, which grow in cell culture with the apical surface exposed to the medium, regulate extracellular cysteine/cystine E(h) to physiological values (approximately -80 mV) observed in vivo. The present study tested whether extracellular E(h) regulation occurs on the basal surface of Caco-2 cells and investigated relevant mechanisms. Experiments were performed with confluent, differentiated cells grown on a permeable membrane surface. Cells were exposed to an oxidizing potential (0 mV) using a fixed cysteine-to-cystine ratio, and culture medium was sampled over time for change in E(h). Regulation of extracellular thiol-disulfide E(h) on the basal domain was faster, and the extent of change at 24 h was greater than on the apical surface. Mechanistic studies showed that redox regulation on the basal surface was partially sodium dependent and inhibited by extracellular lysine, a competitive inhibitor of cystine transport by the y(+)L system and by quisqualic acid, an inhibitor of the x(c)(-) system. Studies using the thiol-reactive alkylating agent 4-acetamido-4'-maleimidylstilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid and the glutathione synthesis inhibitor buthionine sulfoximine showed that extracellular redox regulation was not attributable to plasma membrane cysteine/cystine interconversion or intracellular glutathione, respectively. Thus the data show that redox regulation occurs at different rates on the apical and basal surfaces of the polarized Caco-2 epithelial cell line and that the y(+)L and x(c)(-) systems function in extracellular cysteine/cystine redox regulation on the basal surface.

Redox clamp model for study of extracellular thiols and disulfides in redox signaling

Extracellular thiol/disulfide redox environments are highly regulated in healthy individuals and become oxidized in disease. This oxidation affects the function of cell surface receptors, ion channels, and structural proteins. Downstream signaling due to changes in extracellular redox potential can be studied using a redox clamp in which thiol and disulfide concentrations are varied to obtain a series of controlled redox potentials. Previous applications of this approach show that cell proliferation, apoptosis, and proinflammatory signaling respond to extracellular redox potential. Furthermore, gene expression and proteomic studies reveal the global nature of redox effects, and different cell types, for example, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, monocytes, and epithelial cells, show cell-specific redox responses. Application of the redox clamp to studies of different signaling pathways could enhance the understanding of redox transitions in many aspects of normal physiology and disease.

Intestinal metabolism of sulfur amino acids

The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is a metabolically significant site of sulfur amino acid (SAA) metabolism in the body and metabolises about 20 % of the dietary methionine intake which is mainly transmethylated to homocysteine and trans-sulfurated to cysteine. The GIT accounts for about 25 % of the whole-body transmethylation and trans-sulfuration. In addition, in vivo studies in young pigs indicate that the GIT is a site of net homocysteine release and thus may contribute to the homocysteinaemia. The gut also utilises 25 % of the dietary cysteine intake and the cysteine uptake by the gut represents about 65 % of the splanchnic first-pass uptake. Moreover, we recently showed that SAA deficiency significantly suppresses intestinal mucosal growth and reduces intestinal epithelial cell proliferation, and increases intestinal oxidant stress in piglets. These recent findings indicate that intestinal metabolism of dietary methionine and cysteine is nutritionally important for intestinal mucosal growth. Besides their role in protein synthesis, methionine and cysteine are precursors of important molecules. S-adenosylmethionine, a metabolite of methionine, is the principal biological methyl donor in mammalian cells and a precursor for polyamine synthesis. Cysteine is the rate-limiting amino acid for glutathione synthesis, the major cellular antioxidant in mammals. Further studies are warranted to establish how SAA metabolism regulates gut growth and intestinal function, and contributes to the development of gastrointestinal diseases. The present review discusses the evidence of SAA metabolism in the GIT and its functional and nutritional importance in gut function and diseases.

Effect of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells on endotoxin-induced oxidation of plasma cysteine and glutathione in mice

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMDMSC) are emerging as a therapeutic modality in various inflammatory disease states, including acute lung injury (ALI). A hallmark of inflammation, and a consistent observation in patients with ALI, is a perturbation in the systemic redox environment. However, little is known about the effects of BMDMSC on the systemic redox status. The objective of the present study was to determine whether exogenously infused BMDMSC protect against endotoxin-induced oxidation of plasma cysteine (Cys) and glutathione (GSH) redox states. To determine the effect on the redox state if BMDMSC, mice received endotoxin intraperitoneally (1 mg/kg), followed by intravenous infusion of either 5 × 10⁵ BMDMSC or an equal volume of saline solution. Control mice received intraperitoneal endotoxin followed by 5 × 10⁵ lung fibroblasts given intravenously. Cys, cystine (CySS), GSH, and glutathione disulfide (GSSG) concentrations were determined by HPLC. Results showed sequential preservation of plasma Cys and GSH levels in response to BMDMSC infusion. The data show that BMDMSC infusion leads to a more reducing Cys and GSH redox state. The findings are the first to demonstrate that BMDMSC have antioxidant effects in vivo, and add to our understanding of the systemic effects of BMDMSC in lung injury.

Sulfur amino acid deficiency upregulates intestinal methionine cycle activity and suppresses epithelial growth in neonatal pigs

We recently showed that the developing gut is a significant site of methionine transmethylation to homocysteine and transsulfuration to cysteine. We hypothesized that sulfur amino acid (SAA) deficiency would preferentially reduce mucosal growth and antioxidant function in neonatal pigs. Neonatal pigs were enterally fed a control or an SAA-free diet for 7 days, and then whole body methionine and cysteine kinetics were measured using an intravenous infusion of [1-(13)C;methyl-(2)H(3)]methionine and [(15)N]cysteine. Body weight gain and plasma methionine, cysteine, homocysteine, and taurine and total erythrocyte glutathione concentrations were markedly decreased (-46% to -85%) in SAA-free compared with control pigs. Whole body methionine and cysteine fluxes were reduced, yet methionine utilization for protein synthesis and methionine remethylation were relatively preserved at the expense of methionine transsulfuration, in response to SAA deficiency. Intestinal tissue concentrations of methionine and cysteine were markedly reduced and hepatic levels were maintained in SAA-free compared with control pigs. SAA deficiency increased the activity of methionine metabolic enzymes, i.e., methionine adenosyltransferase, methionine synthase, and cystathionine beta-synthase, and S-adenosylmethionine concentration in the jejunum, whereas methionine synthase activity increased and S-adenosylmethionine level decreased in the liver. Small intestine weight and protein and DNA mass were lower, whereas liver weight and DNA mass were unchanged, in SAA-free compared with control pigs. Dietary SAA deficiency induced small intestinal villus atrophy, lower goblet cell numbers, and Ki-67-positive proliferative crypt cells in association with lower tissue glutathione, especially in the jejunum. We conclude that SAA deficiency upregulates intestinal methionine cycle activity and suppresses epithelial growth in neonatal pigs.

Cysteine redox potential determines pro-inflammatory IL-1beta levels

BACKGROUND

Cysteine (Cys) and its disulfide, cystine (CySS) represent the major extracellular thiol/disulfide redox control system. The redox potential (E(h)) of Cys/CySS is centered at approximately -80 mV in the plasma of healthy adults, and oxidation of E(h) Cys/CySS is implicated in inflammation associated with various diseases.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether oxidized E(h) Cys/CySS is a determinant of interleukin (IL)-1beta levels. Results showed a 1.7-fold increase in secreted pro-IL-1beta levels in U937 monocytes exposed to oxidized E(h) Cys/CySS (-46 mV), compared to controls exposed to a physiological E(h) of -80 mV (P<0.01). In LPS-challenged mice, preservation of plasma E(h) Cys/CySS from oxidation by dietary sulfur amino acid (SAA) supplementation, was associated with a 1.6-fold decrease in plasma IL-1beta compared to control mice fed an isonitrogenous SAA-adequate diet (P<0.01). Analysis of E(h) Cys/CySS and IL-1beta in human plasma revealed a significant positive association between oxidized E(h) Cys/CySS and IL-1beta after controlling for age, gender, and BMI (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

These data show that oxidized extracellular E(h) Cys/CySS is a determinant of IL-1beta levels, and suggest that strategies to preserve E(h) Cys/CySS may represent a means to control IL-1beta in inflammatory disease states.

Oxidation of extracellular cysteine/cystine redox state in bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis

Several lines of evidence indicate that depletion of glutathione (GSH), a critical thiol antioxidant, is associated with the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). However, GSH synthesis depends on the amino acid cysteine (Cys), and relatively little is known about the regulation of Cys in fibrosis. Cys and its disulfide, cystine (CySS), constitute the most abundant low-molecular weight thiol/disulfide redox couple in the plasma, and the Cys/CySS redox state (E(h) Cys/CySS) is oxidized in association with age and smoking, known risk factors for IPF. Furthermore, oxidized E(h) Cys/CySS in the culture media of lung fibroblasts stimulates proliferation and expression of transitional matrix components. The present study was undertaken to determine whether bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis is associated with a decrease in Cys and/or an oxidation of the Cys/CySS redox state and to determine whether these changes were associated with changes in E(h) GSH/glutathione disulfide (GSSG). We observed distinct effects on plasma GSH and Cys redox systems during the progression of bleomycin-induced lung injury. Plasma E(h) GSH/GSSG was selectively oxidized during the proinflammatory phase, whereas oxidation of E(h) Cys/CySS occurred at the fibrotic phase. In the epithelial lining fluid, oxidation of E(h) Cys/CySS was due to decreased food intake. Thus the data show that decreased precursor availability and enhanced oxidation of Cys each contribute to the oxidation of extracellular Cys/CySS redox state in bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis.

Oxidation of plasma cysteine/cystine redox state in endotoxin-induced lung injury

Several lines of evidence indicate that perturbations in the extracellular thiol/disulfide redox environment correlate with the progression and severity of acute lung injury (ALI). Cysteine (Cys) and its disulfide Cystine (CySS) constitute the most abundant, low-molecular-weight thiol/disulfide redox couple in the plasma, and Cys homeostasis is adversely affected during the inflammatory response to infection and injury. While much emphasis has been placed on glutathione (GSH) and glutathione disulfide (GSSG), little is known about the regulation of the Cys/CySS couple in ALI. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether endotoxin administration causes a decrease in Cys and/or an oxidation of the plasma Cys/CySS redox state (E(h) Cys/CySS), and to determine whether these changes were associated with changes in plasma E(h) GSH/GSSG. Mice received endotoxin intraperitoneally, and GSH and Cys redox states were measured at time points known to correlate with the progression of endotoxin-induced lung injury. E(h) in mV was calculated using Cys, CySS, GSH, and GSSG values by high-performance liquid chromatography and the Nernst equation. We observed distinct effects of endotoxin on the GSH and Cys redox systems during the acute phase; plasma E(h) Cys/CySS was selectively oxidized early in response to endotoxin, while E(h) GSH/GSSG remained unchanged. Unexpectedly, subsequent oxidation of E(h) GSH/GSSG and E(h) Cys/CySS occurred as a consequence of endotoxin-induced anorexia. Taken together, the results indicate that enhanced oxidation of Cys, altered transport of Cys and CySS, and decreased food intake each contribute to the oxidation of plasma Cys/CySS redox state in endotoxemia.

Cysteinylation and homocysteinylation of plasma protein thiols during ageing of healthy human beings

The purpose of the present study was to determine the relative amount of S-thiolated proteins (i.e. S-homocysteinylated, S-cysteinylglycinylated, S-glutathionylated and S-cysteinylated proteins) to the total protein thiols (i.e. the sum of reduced protein sulphydryl groups (PSHs) and protein mixed disulphides with homocysteine [HcySH], cysteinylglycine, cysteine [CysSH] and glutathione) in the plasma of healthy individuals aged 20 to 93. After plasma separation, total protein thiols, S-thiolated proteins, as well as CysSH, cystine, HcySH and homocystine were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence determination of the thiol-monobromobimane conjugate. Determination of plasma levels of protein thiols was performed by spectrophotometry with 5,5′-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) as a titrating agent. The present study demonstrates an age-dependent reduction in the amount of PSHs, and an age-dependent increase in cysteinylated and homocysteinylated plasma proteins in healthy human beings. This indicates that the efficiency of the reduced protein thiol pool as an antioxidant defence system decreases with age, possibly causing an increased risk of irreversible oxidation (i.e. further oxidation to sulphinic and sulphonic acids, which are usually not reducible by thiol reducing agents) of sulphydryl groups of plasma proteins. The drop in the plasma level of protein sulphydryl groups suggests depletion and/or impairment of the antioxidant capacity of plasma, likely related to an alteration of the delicate balance between the different redox forms of thiols.

Nonequilibrium thermodynamics of thiol/disulfide redox systems: a perspective on redox systems biology

Understanding the dynamics of redox elements in biologic systems remains a major challenge for redox signaling and oxidative stress research. Central redox elements include evolutionarily conserved subsets of cysteines and methionines of proteins which function as sulfur switches and labile reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) which function in redox signaling. The sulfur switches depend on redox environments in which rates of oxidation are balanced with rates of reduction through the thioredoxins, glutathione/glutathione disulfide, and cysteine/cystine redox couples. These central couples, which we term redox control nodes, are maintained at stable but nonequilibrium steady states, are largely independently regulated in different subcellular compartments, and are quasi-independent from each other within compartments. Disruption of the redox control nodes can differentially affect sulfur switches, thereby creating a diversity of oxidative stress responses. Systems biology provides approaches to address the complexity of these responses. In the present review, we summarize thiol/disulfide pathway, redox potential, and rate information as a basis for kinetic modeling of sulfur switches. The summary identifies gaps in knowledge especially related to redox communication between compartments, definition of redox pathways, and discrimination between types of sulfur switches. A formulation for kinetic modeling of GSH/GSSG redox control indicates that systems biology could encourage novel therapeutic approaches to protect against oxidative stress by identifying specific redox-sensitive sites which could be targeted for intervention.

Redox compartmentalization in eukaryotic cells

Diverse functions of eukaryotic cells are optimized by organization of compatible chemistries into distinct compartments defined by the structures of lipid-containing membranes, multiprotein complexes and oligomeric structures of saccharides and nucleic acids. This structural and chemical organization is coordinated, in part, through cysteine residues of proteins which undergo reversible oxidation-reduction and serve as chemical/structural transducing elements. The central thiol/disulfide redox couples, thioredoxin-1, thioredoxin-2, GSH/GSSG and cysteine/cystine (Cys/CySS), are not in equilibrium with each other and are maintained at distinct, non-equilibrium potentials in mitochondria, nuclei, the secretory pathway and the extracellular space. Mitochondria contain the most reducing compartment, have the highest rates of electron transfer and are highly sensitive to oxidation. Nuclei also have more reduced redox potentials but are relatively resistant to oxidation. The secretory pathway contains oxidative systems which introduce disulfides into proteins for export. The cytoplasm contains few metabolic oxidases and this maintains an environment for redox signaling dependent upon NADPH oxidases and NO synthases. Extracellular compartments are maintained at stable oxidizing potentials. Controlled changes in cytoplasmic GSH/GSSG redox potential are associated with functional state, varying with proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Variation in extracellular Cys/CySS redox potential is also associated with proliferation, cell adhesion and apoptosis. Thus, cellular redox biology is inseparable from redox compartmentalization. Further elucidation of the redox control networks within compartments will improve the mechanistic understanding of cell functions and their disruption in disease.