NOVEL CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL TOOLS FOR HYDROGEN SULFIDE RESEARCH

Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a critical cell signaling molecule that can target different ion channels, modify various physiological functions, and undergo protein S-sulfhydration. This post-translational modification is critical as it provides a possible mechanism by which H2S alters the functions of cellular proteins. It is important, therefore, to understand the fundamental chemistry of H2S and to develop effective and convenient methods for H2S detection. The thesis will discuss three aspects of H2S: first, the development of fluorescent probes for the detection of H2S; second, the study on the generation of H2S from NADH (reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) and sulfane sulfurs; lastly, development of a new method for persulfide generation. The novel chemistry of H2S not only provides promising tools for the detection of H2S in biological systems, but also reveals the biological functions of H2S.