Pathways and regulation of sulfur metabolism revealed through molecular and genetic studies

Sulfur is essential for life. Its oxidation state is in constant flux as it circulates through the global sulfur cycle. Plants play a key role in the cycle since they are primary producers of organic sulfur compounds. They are able to couple photosynthesis to the reduction of sulfate, assimilation into cysteine, and further metabolism into methionine, glutathione, and many other compounds. The activity of the sulfur assimilation pathway responds dynamically to changes in sulfur supply and to environmental conditions that alter the need for reduced sulfur. Molecular genetic analysis has allowed many of the enzymes and regulatory mechanisms involved in the process to be defined. This review focuses on recent advances in the field of plant sulfur metabolism. It also emphasizes areas about which little is known, including transport and recycling/degradation of sulfur compounds.