PGK1 Persulfidation Promotes the Proliferation and Metastasis of Breast Cancer

Endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is involved in the occurrence and development of breast cancer, while its underlying mechanism is not yet clear. Here, we aimed to focus on the molecular mechanism of endogenous H₂S promoting the proliferation and metastasis of breast cancer.

In this study, four major findings were revealed: (1) Inhibition of cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) increased the content of glucose in the supernatant of breast cancer cell and decreased the production of intracellular lactic acid and adenosine triphosphate. (2) Phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1) was persulfidated at Cys108 and Cys316, and its persulfidation level in breast cancer tissue was significantly higher than that in paracancerous tissue. (3) Blocking the persulfidation of PGK1 inhibited glycolysis and malignant biological behaviors of breast cancer cell. (4) The CSE inhibitor reduced the persulfidation of PGK1 and inhibited the growth and metastasis of xenograft tumors, whereas sodium hydrosulfide reversed the effect of CSE inhibitor. Preface PGK1 is not the only potential target for persulfidation.

This study revealed a novel mechanism involved in the upregulation of endogenous H₂S in breast cancer. Endogenous H₂S regulates glycolysis of breast cancer cells by mediating PGK1 persulfidation modification at Cys108 and Cys316, thereby promoting tumor proliferation and metastasis. This study offers a potential therapeutic strategy through targeting the upregulated endogenous H₂S and persulfidation of PGK1. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 44, 164-181.