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Updated: Sep 28, 2025

A Sensitive Visual Method for the Detection of Hydrogen Sulfide Producing Bacteria
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Molecular Functions of Hydrogen Sulfide in Cancer

Rodney E Shackelford1, Islam Z Mohammad1, Andrew T Meram2

  • 1Department of Pathology & Translational Pathobiology, LSU Health Sciences Center Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71130, USA.

Pathophysiology : the Official Journal of the International Society for Pathophysiology
|April 2, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) acts as a gasotransmitter involved in cancer development. This review details how H2S promotes tumor growth, metastasis, and chemotherapy resistance through molecular mechanisms.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a gasotransmitter with significant roles in physiological and pathophysiological processes.
  • Elevated levels of H2S-synthesizing enzymes are observed in numerous human cancers, including colorectal, prostate, breast, and thyroid malignancies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted role of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in cancer.
  • To emphasize the molecular mechanisms underlying H2S's contribution to cancer development, progression, dedifferentiation, and metastasis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on H2S and cancer.
  • Analysis of molecular pathways influenced by H2S in various cancer types.

Main Results:

  • H2S promotes key cancer hallmarks: tumor growth, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis.
  • H2S enhances cellular and mitochondrial bioenergetics, DNA repair, and chemotherapy resistance.
  • Increased H2S-synthesizing enzyme expression often correlates with poorer prognosis and advanced tumor stage.

Conclusions:

  • Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a critical mediator in cancer progression, influencing multiple molecular pathways.
  • Understanding H2S's role is essential for developing novel cancer therapies targeting its pro-tumorigenic effects.
Keywords:
3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferaseH2Scancercystathionine β-synthasecystathionine γ-lyasehydrogen sulfide

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