Down-regulation of cystathionine-γ-lyase/H2S system inhibits cell growth in human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells

Hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S), as the third gasotransmitter, plays important roles in cancer biological processes. Endogenous H2S can possess pro-cancer functions. Cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE), one of main metabolic enzymes synthesizing H 2 S, possesses important roles in the development and progression of cancer. In the present study, the roles of CSE/H2S system in human breast cancer cells were investigated. It was observed that CSE was expressed in human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells and inhibition of endogenous CSE/H 2 S significantly reduced the cell viability and inhibited cell growth and proliferation in MDA-MB-231 cells. Meanwhile, CSE knockdown induced apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells and inhibited migration of MDA-MB-231. In conclusion, CSE/H 2 S system possesses important roles in human breast cancer cells.