How Gas Molecules in Your Body Control Cell Death and Disease
- Authors
- Lei Cao, Xue-Li Wang, Ti Chu, Yan-Wen Wang, Yong-Qi Fan, Yu-Hang Chen, Yi-Wen Zhu, Jing Zhang, Xin-Ying Ji, Dong-Dong Wu
- Journal
- Experimental Cell Research
- Year
- 2024
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.yexcr.2024.114233
- Study Type
- clinical
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
- Health Condition
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Body System
- Cardiovascular
TL;DR
Scientists found that special gases our bodies make naturally can control how cells die in unhealthy ways, and understanding this could help us treat diseases like heart problems, brain disease, and infections.
Summary
This scientific review examined how gasotransmitters - naturally occurring gas molecules including nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulfide - regulate necroptosis, a form of programmed cell death. These molecules can freely move through cell membranes and send signals between cells. Researchers found that gasotransmitters play significant roles in various diseases including cardiovascular conditions, inflammation, stroke, infections, and neurological disorders. The mechanisms by which these gas molecules control cell death are not fully understood, but this research suggests they could serve as new therapeutic targets for treating diseases associated with abnormal cell death pathways.
Abstract (excerpt)
Gasotransmitters are endogenous gaseous signaling molecules that can freely pass through cell membranes and transmit signals between cells, playing multiple roles in cell signal transduction. Due to extensive and ongoing research in this field, we have successfully identified many gasotransmitters…