Fan Yanmei, Tan Xiao, Zhao Hongcheng, Tu Xiancong, Liu Xiaowen, Wang Yueqing
Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443003, P.R. China.
Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443003, P.R. China.
Curr Med Chem. 2023;30(16):1813-1823. doi: 10.2174/0929867329666220817141227.
Cysteine (Cys) is a semi-essential nutrient amino acid that plays an important role in cells through endogenous production and various transport systems. Intracellular Cys can be used as a precursor of protein synthesis to maintain cell homeostasis and to generate sulfur-containing substances, including glutathione (GSH), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and taurine. There have been quite a few reports that Cys is related to tumor occurrence and development, and its level is closely related to tumor proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Moreover, it helps in maintaining the tumor redox balance and increasing drug resistance. This review aims to summarize the production and metabolism of Cys and its role in tumors, with special emphasis on the potential therapeutic value of Cys in tumors to improve the quality of life of cancer patients.
半胱氨酸（Cys）是一种半必需营养氨基酸，通过内源性生成和各种转运系统在细胞中发挥重要作用。细胞内的半胱氨酸可作为蛋白质合成的前体，以维持细胞内环境稳定并生成含硫物质，包括谷胱甘肽（GSH）、硫化氢（H2S）和牛磺酸。已有不少报道表明半胱氨酸与肿瘤的发生和发展有关，其水平与肿瘤增殖、侵袭和转移密切相关。此外，它有助于维持肿瘤的氧化还原平衡并增加耐药性。本综述旨在总结半胱氨酸的产生和代谢及其在肿瘤中的作用，特别强调半胱氨酸在肿瘤中的潜在治疗价值，以提高癌症患者的生活质量。
