S-Mercaptocysteine

S-Mercaptocysteine is an organic compound classified as an L-cysteine-S-conjugate and is also known as thiocysteine or cysteine persulfide. Its chemical formula is C3H7NO2S2 and it has a molecular weight of approximately 153.23 g/mol[1][2]. S-Mercaptocysteine is a sulfur-containing amino acid derivative where the sulfur atom in the side chain of cysteine forms a persulfide (–SSH) group instead of the typical thiol (–SH). It occurs naturally as a human and mouse metabolite[2]. The biological role of S-mercaptocysteine includes participation in sulfur metabolism; it may act as an intermediate or product in enzymatic reactions involving sulfur transfer. Its mechanism of action at the pharmacological level remains largely uncharacterized, but related compounds are involved in redox biology and cellular signaling through hydrogen sulfide (H2S) production[1][2].

Other names

Thiocysteinecysteine perthiolS-sulfanylcysteinecysteine persulfide