Sulfane sulfur species

Sulfane sulfur species represent a diverse class of reactive sulfur-containing molecules characterized by a sulfur atom covalently bonded to another sulfur atom, typically in a 0 or -1 oxidation state. [1, 2, 3, 4] These include compounds like persulfides, polysulfides, thiosulfate, and elemental sulfur, and are increasingly recognized as crucial signaling molecules in biological systems. [1, 4, 5, 16] They play multifaceted roles in maintaining cellular health, primarily through redox regulation, signal transduction, and antioxidant defense. [2, 3, 4, 6] Sulfane sulfur species are involved in critical biological processes such as protein persulfidation, the synthesis of essential cofactors, and protecting cells from electrophilic stress. [2, 4, 6, 17] Dysregulation of these species has been implicated in a wide array of pathologies, including cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, metabolic conditions like diabetes and obesity, inflammation, and various cancers. [1, 3, 7, 8, 14] Therapeutic strategies often involve the use of sulfane sulfur donors, such as sodium thiosulfate or organosulfur compounds derived from garlic, to modulate their levels and harness their protective effects. [4, 13, 14, 19, 20] However, their inherent instability and reactivity, along with the potential for toxicity from their byproducts like H2S, present significant safety considerations in their therapeutic application. [1, 2, 11]

Other names

Thiosulfoxide sulfurBound sulfur

Sulfane sulfur species exert their effects through various mechanisms, including modulating the cellular redox state, acting as highly nucleophilic agents to detoxify electrophiles, and modifying cysteine residues in proteins via persulfidation (S-sulfhydration) to tune enzyme activities and redox sensors. They also serve as a form of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) storage, capable of releasing this gasotransmitter in response to biological signals, and can enhance the reductive capacity of glutathione. [2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 17]