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Sulfur is an essential element in biological systems, contributing to synthesizing key biomolecules, including amino acids such as cysteine and methionine, and cofactors such as coenzyme A and biotin. Microorganisms primarily assimilate sulfur as sulfate (SO₄²⁻) from the environment, which must undergo a series of biochemical transformations before it can be incorporated into cellular components. As sulfate is highly oxidized, it must undergo assimilatory sulfate reduction to become...
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A Sensitive Visual Method for the Detection of Hydrogen Sulfide Producing Bacteria
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Sulfide, the first inorganic substrate for human cells.

Marc Goubern1, Mireille Andriamihaja, Tobias Nübel

  • 1Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes and Nurélice UR909, INRA, F-78352 Jouy en Josas, France.

FASEB Journal : Official Publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology
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PubMed
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Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), though toxic, serves as an energy source for colon cells. Mammalian cells utilize H2S as an inorganic substrate, but high concentrations can be poisonous.

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Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Physiology

Background:

  • Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is endogenously produced in the intestine.
  • H2S is recognized as a cellular respiration inhibitor at the cytochrome oxidase level.
  • Certain bacteria and animals utilize sulfide as an energy substrate.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of sulfide as an energetic substrate in mammalian colonocytes.
  • To determine the impact of sulfide on colonocyte mitochondrial respiration and energization.
  • To explore the mechanisms of sulfide utilization and toxicity in the colon.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized permeabilized colonic cells.
  • Administered sulfide via an infusion pump.
  • Measured mitochondrial respiratory rates and energization.
  • Compared oxidation rates across different cell types.

Main Results:

  • Colonocyte mitochondria exhibit maximal respiratory rates with sulfide comparable to other substrates.
  • Sulfide oxidation leads to mitochondrial energization.
  • Mitochondria display high affinity for sulfide, enabling utilization at low micromolar concentrations.
  • High sulfide levels exceeding oxidation capacity lead to mitochondrial inefficiency and potential anaerobic pathway activation.

Conclusions:

  • Sulfide functions as an energetic substrate for mammalian colonocytes.
  • Mitochondria can utilize sulfide at concentrations below toxic levels.
  • Sulfide is the first identified inorganic substrate for mammalian cells.
  • The study provides evidence for sulfide's dual role as both a potential energy source and a toxin.