Sensitive Method for Reliable Quantification of Sulfane Sulfur in Biological Samples.

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Cellular Biology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Sulfane sulfur is a crucial cellular component involved in enzyme regulation and signaling pathways.
• Accurate quantification of total sulfane sulfur in biological matrices remains a significant analytical challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel method for the precise quantification of total sulfane sulfur in diverse biological samples.
• To assess sulfane sulfur levels during different growth phases and across various species.

Main Methods:

• A novel assay was developed involving the quantitative conversion of sulfane sulfur to thiosulfate using sulfite at 95 °C and pH 9.5.
• The method was applied to quantify sulfane sulfur in bacteria, yeast, mammalian cells, zebrafish, mouse organs, and shrimp.

Main Results:

• The assay successfully quantified total sulfane sulfur in all tested biological samples.
• Sulfane sulfur levels exhibited dynamic changes during growth phases, increasing initially, stabilizing, and then declining.
• Species-specific variations and organ-dependent differences in sulfane sulfur content were observed, ranging from 1 to 10 nmol/(mg of protein).

Conclusions:

• The developed method provides a reliable and efficient means for quantifying total sulfane sulfur in biological samples.
• This advancement facilitates further research into the biological roles and regulatory functions of sulfane sulfur.