Production of H2S – The l-cysteine/CSE-CBS-MST/H2S System

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a bioactive gasotransmitter, is produced endogenously primarily by three enzymes, cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE), cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (MST). This chapter comprehensively reviews the characteristics, mechanisms, and potential regulation of H2S generation by the CSE/CBS/MST system. The production of polysulfide, the predominant form of H2S storage in vivo, is also discussed. In addition, exogenous H2S donors designed for mammalian cells are summarized and classified.