1
Return

Oxygen needs sulfur, sulfur needs oxygen: a relationship of interdependence

delete2025-05-20
delete0
delete
OA
AI
H
Hiroki Sekine
T
Takaaki Akaike
H
Hozumi Motohashi *
DOI:10.1038/s44318-025-00464-7delete
deleteOriginal
deleteOriginal request for help
deleteShare
deleteSave
Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Oxygen and sulfur, both members of the chalcogen group (group 16 elements), play fundamental roles in life. Ancient organisms primarily utilized sulfur for energy metabolism, while the rise in atmospheric oxygen facilitated the evolution of aerobic organisms, enabling highly efficient energy production. Nevertheless, all modern organisms, both aerobes and anaerobes, must protect themselves from oxygen toxicity. Interestingly, aerobes still rely on sulfur for survival. This dependence has been illuminated by the recent discovery of supersulfides, a novel class of biomolecules, made possible through advancements in technology and analytical methods. These breakthroughs are reshaping our understanding of biological processes and emphasizing the intricate interplay between oxygen and sulfur in regulating essential redox reactions. This review summarizes the latest insights into the biological roles of sulfur and oxygen, their interdependence in key processes, and their contributions to adaptive responses to environmental stressors. By exploring these interactions, we aim to provide a comprehensive perspective on how these elements drive survival strategies across diverse life forms, highlighting their indispensable roles in both human health and the sustenance of life.
Keywords:
NRF2
Pyridoxal 5'-phosphate
Vitamin B6
Supersulfides
Mitochondria

Journal

EMBO Journal cover
EMBO Journal
IF:
8.3
Papers:
1.3W
Citations:
6.3W

Organization

No organization information available
Cited Papers

Cited Papers

Citing Papers

Citing Papers