# Structural and Functional Properties of Enzymes Involved in Persulfide Degradation

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · East Carolina University (NC) · $525,000

## Abstract

With support from the Chemistry of Life Processes Program in the Division of Chemistry, Professor Holly Ellis and her research team at East Carolina University will study the functional and structural attributes of a recently identified enzyme system that is metabolically relevant and involved in persulfide oxidation. The system consists of a mercaptopropionate dioxygenase (MDO) and a sulfurtransferase (ST), and it is involved in a novel pathway in persulfide oxidation. Interestingly, the MDO/ST enzymes have been identified in a wide range of bacteria, suggesting that it is critical to cellular function. Despite its ubiquity in bacteria, information about the mechanism of transformations catalyzed by the MDO/ST system is limited. The project focuses on filling this gap through the elucidation of the functional and structural properties of the enzymes. Graduate students engaged in this research are learning the biochemical and analytical skills needed to drive innovation in research and biotechnology.  The project is also integrated with a pre-college program to train high school students in different biochemical techniques used to understand enzyme function. 
 
Oxidation and assimilation of persulfides in bacteria is often catalyzed by enzymes critical in maintaining potentially toxic persulfide levels and in supplying bacteria with alternative sulfur sources. The MDO thiol dioxygenases that catalyze the oxidation of low molecular weight (LMW) thiols were originally identif

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2532276
- **Awardee organization:** East Carolina University (NC)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** HWPEKM8VFTJ9
- **PI:** Holly R Ellis
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** —
- **Estimated total:** $525,000
- **Funds obligated:** $525,000
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2532276

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2532276, Structural and Functional Properties of Enzymes Involved in Persulfide Degradation. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-06 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2532276. Licensed CC0.

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