Gasotransmitters in cancer: from pathophysiology to experimental therapy

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Oncology

Background:

• Endogenous gaseous transmitters, including nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S), are crucial regulators of biological functions.
• Recent research highlights novel mechanisms of these gasotransmitters in tumor biology.
• These gases exhibit a bimodal pharmacological character in cancer, influencing therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the multifaceted roles of NO, CO, and H2S in cancer.
• To discuss the impact of pharmacological agents that modulate gasotransmitter levels in cancer treatment.
• To explore the potential for clinical translation of these findings.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on gasotransmitters in cancer.
• Analysis of pharmacological interventions targeting NO, CO, and H2S pathways.
• Examination of preclinical and early-stage clinical data.

Main Results:

• Gasotransmitters display a bimodal effect in cancer, where both inhibition and supra-threshold elevation of their biosynthesis can yield anticancer outcomes.
• Various pharmacological agents are being investigated for their ability to modulate these gasotransmitter levels.
• Some of these agents are currently in early-phase clinical trials.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the dual pharmacological character of NO, CO, and H2S is critical for cancer therapy.
• Further research into the mechanisms of gasotransmitter action will facilitate clinical translation.
• Targeting gasotransmitter pathways represents a promising avenue for novel cancer treatments.