Sulfhydryl-containing cellular enzyme

Sulfhydryl-containing cellular enzymes are a diverse group of proteins characterized by the presence of cysteine-derived sulfhydryl (-SH) groups. These moieties are central to enzymatic activity, regulation, and structural integrity, mainly through their role in redox reactions and disulfide bond formation. Enzymes such as proteases, oxidoreductases, transferases, and deubiquitinases utilize sulfhydryl groups for catalytic mechanisms or as redox sensors. Post-translational modifications of enzyme cysteines expand functional diversity and are implicated in regulation, signaling, and disease pathogenesis. Therapeutically, many drugs interact with, or target, sulfhydryl groups to modulate enzyme function or cellular redox states; however, the broad distribution of these groups across the proteome necessitates careful drug design to avoid off-target toxicity.

Other names

Thiol-containing enzymesSH-containing enzymesCysteine-dependent enzymes

Covalent modification of cysteine sulfhydryl groups; Redox modulation through oxidation or reduction; Enzyme inhibition by targeting active-site thiols; Activation of cytoprotective pathways (KEAP1/NRF2)