PhD defence Ms Y. (Yang) Luo

Thiosulfate sulfurtransferase and its impact on mitochondrial health

With the rapid development of the global economy and technology, metabolic disorders have become increasingly prevalent due to environmental, lifestyle, and genetic factors. Among various biological processes, mitochondrial dysfunction has been identified as a key contributor to numerous diseases, underscoring the essential role of mitochondria in cellular energy production, metabolism, and stress resilience. This thesis presents a comprehensive investigation into the mitochondrial enzyme thiosulfate sulfurtransferase (TST), elucidating its functions in cellular metabolism, oxidative stress regulation, and therapeutic applications. The study is structured into three major sections: (1) TST’s molecular biology and implications for mitochondrial health, (2) its translational potential in disease treatment, and (3) its expression profile in various diseases and its mechanistic roles in oxidative stress-related conditions.