H2S signals in bacterial physiology and host-bacteria interactions

Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been considered as a toxic byproduct produced in the process of sulfur metabolism. However, recent research has shown that the metabolism of bacteria and their interactions with the host can be regulated by H2S. This review highlights the latest progress in sulfide microbiology, with a special emphasis on H2S conversion. The content includes how sulfur-reducing bacteria and sulfur-oxidizing bacteria use H2S conversion processes and transformation or removal strategies. Furthermore, this review explores the strategies of bacteria for maintaining H2S homeostasis and elucidating how reactive sulfur compounds and their derivatives exert regulatory effects through oxidation, energy metabolism, and stress adaptation. At lower level, H2S promotes the growth of bacteria and increases the antimicrobial resistance. The effects of H2S on neighboring host and environment were also evaluated in this paper, including inflammation, adhesion of epithelial cells, symbiotic microbial communities, and disease progression.