Rhodanese: One of Natures Sulphur Biotransformation Machinery

Rhodanase (EC2.8.1.1) is a sulphur transferase enzyme. It is widely distributed across all levels of living organism; microbes, fungi, plants and animals. Sulphur is a basic requirement for existence and sustenance of life, as notable in the myriad of chemical substances in which it is incorporated such as; proteins containing cysteine and/or methionine amino acid, proteins containing iron- sulphur center prosthetic groups, glutathione, sulphated carbohydrates, hydrogen sulphide, and thiosulphate. Rhodanese plays an important role in the metabolism of sulphur in cells of organism. It helps to maintain homeostatic balance of sulphur pool in cell. The functional roles of sulphur also include cyanide detoxification, hydrogen sulphide detoxification, neuro-modulation, repair of iron sulphur centres, and maintenance of respiratory rates. Further study of this enzyme is desired for more insight into its role cellular metabolism and possible medical application.