A pathway for D-cysteinolate degradation in sulfate- and sulfite-reducing bacteria.

ABSTRACT: Sulfonates, characterized by a C-SO₃^- moiety, are widespread in the environment. Sulfate- and sulfite-reducing bacteria degrade many naturally occurring sulfonates to produce H₂S, playing a vital role in sulfur metabolism in anaerobic environments, including the human gut. One of the most abundant sulfonates in marine environments is D-cysteinolate, which functions as an osmolyte in many marine organisms, though mechanisms for its anaerobic degradation remain unknown. Here, we identify and characterize a gene cluster encoding a D-cysteinolate degradation pathway, found in sulfate- and sulfite-reducing bacteria from both environmental sources and the human gut. In this pathway, D-cysteinolate is first epimerized by a pyridoxal phosphate (PLP)-dependent cyste

SUBMITTER: Liu X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12814064 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature