Role of 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase in cancer: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic perspectives.

Abstract

The occurrence and development of tumor is mediated by a wide range of complex mechanisms. Subsequent to nitric oxide and carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) holds the distinction of being the third identified gasotransmitter. Alternation of H₂S level has been widely demonstrated to induce an array of disturbances in important cancer cell signaling pathways. As a result, the effects of H₂S-catalyzing enzymes in cancers also attract widspread attention. 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MST) is privileged to be one of them. In fact, 3-MST is overexpressed in many tumors including human colon cancer, lung adenocarcinoma, and bladder urothelial carcinoma. But it is also lowly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma. In this review, we focus on the generation of endogenous H₂S and polysulfides, facilitated by 3-MST. Additionally, we delve deeply into the potential role of 3-MST in tumorigenesis and development. The impact of 3-MST inhibition on the development of tumors and its potential for tumor therapy are also highlighted.