Research progress of the microbial sulfur-cycling network

Abstract:

Sulfur is an essential component of all creatures and one of indispensable nutrient elements for living organisms. Sulfur-redox microorganisms are numerous, widely distributed, and have diverse metabolic pathways, while the balance between sulfur compounds depends on various sulfur-transforming reactions and metabolism pathways in the microbial metabolism network. In addition, the sulfur cycle is closely related to the carbon and nitrogen cycles and plays a vital role in the earth's ecological cycle. In this review, we summarize current research progress of the microbial sulfur-cycling network, including the involved microorganisms, biochemical pathways, their environmental implications, and industrial applications, etc., which helps to understand the sulfur cycle existing in the natural and artificial ecological environment and provides a solid theoretical basis and application solutions for controlling the increase and decrease of sulfur in industrial and agricultural production.