SSU CHEMISTRY UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH PROPOSAL

Draft Proposal Due Date: November 4, 2013 before 5:00 p.m. pacific time
Final Proposal Due: December 6, 2013 before 5:00 p.m. pacific time
PROJECT TITLE: Reaction of H2S with Oxidized Thiols: Comparing Persulfide and Thiol

Reactivities and Properties

Student Investigator
Name: Michael Dobbs
Title: Dr. Fukuto Lab Intern
Phone: (707) 775-8516
Email: dobbsm@seawolf.sonoma.edu
(All official proposal correspondence will be sent by email.)

Campus Mailing Address:

1801 East Cotati Avenue, Rohnert Park 94928
Total Budget Request: $633.10
Project Start Date/End Date:
October 26, 2013 May 2, 2014
Are Human Subjects involved in this project? No.
Are Vertebrate Animals used in this project? No.
Applicant Certification
By signing this application, we the undersigned, certify that the statements herein are true, complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge. We
are aware that any false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or claims may result in the removal of this application from review or in termination of
the grant if it has been awarded.

Student PI: ________________________________________________

Signature

Mentor:

________________________________________________

Signature

CHEM 315 Instructor: _______________________________________

Signature

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Date

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Date

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ABSTRACTS:
Project Objective:
The chemical properties of thiols and their persulfides have not been directly measured in a general
chemical study, but have been proposed to be similar. Our experiment will provide essential chemical
information about reactivity schemes for persulfides as compared to their thiol counterparts using related
reactions and analogous electrophiles.
Technical Abstract:

Figure 1

Using a synthetic method, DTNB

(Ellmans reagent) and GSH will be used
to form TNB, which when reacted with
H2S will be used to form the persulfide of
L-glutathione (GSSH). This will be done
in a Tris-HCl buffer of pH 7.2 with 1mM
stock solutions of GSH, DTNB, and H2S.
This reaction is shown in Figure 1. The Lglutathione persulfide formation will be
indirectly quantified using the TNB anion
as an indicator, measured with UV-Vis set
to 412 nm. The persulfides used can now
be changed to a variety to establish a
consensus for the chemical reactivities of
persulfides. These reactivities can then be
compared to those of related thiols. After
the formation of the persulfide, reaction
rates can be calculated by reacting thiols
and their derivative persulfide species with
chosen electrophiles, Cyt-C. Reacted CytC changes functionality to be easily
identified with HPLC, which can then be used to compare their nucleophilicities. A GCMS could also
be used for Cyt-C. Using the Clark electrode involving O 2, the reducing capabilities can be compared
with that of thiols. Also directly comparing the reaction rates of the persulfide and thiol with
Cytochrome C would hint at their stability when oxidized.
Non-Technical Abstract:
A persulfide will be formed using the synthesis of DTNB and H2S. The formation will be measured
using UV-Vis and will be characterized by performing a variety of reactions with the persulfide. They
can then be compared to the reactions of thiols performed in previous experiments referenced. Reaction
rates were then calculated with the help of bimanes, the chosen compound favours reactions with
electrons. This changes the functionality of the persulfide that can be identified on High Performance
Liquid Chromatography or Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. The Clark method and Cyt-C will
be used to measure their reducing capabilities.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
I: Project Objective(s) and Specific Aims
Using a synthetic method, DTNB and H2S were used to form the persulfide of L-glutathione.
The L-glutathione persulfide formation was indirectly quantified using the TNB anion as an indicator,
measured with UV-Vis. The persulfides used can now be changed to a variety of compounds where the
rates will be measured to establish a consensus for the chemical reactivities of persulfides. These
reactivities can be compared to those of related thiols. After the formation of the persulfide, reaction
rates can be calculated by reacting thiols and their derivative persulfide species with chosen
electrophiles, Cyt-C. Reacted Cyt-C changes functionality to be easily identified with HPLC. A GCMS
could also be used for Cyt-C. Reaction rates between the thiols and persulfides can be determined by
how fast they react with Cyt-C Fe(III) in an oxidation reaction. A Clark Electrode will be used to
determine reaction rates between GSH and GSSH with O2 by detecting how much O2 is present in the
system.
II: Expected Outcomes
L-glutathione persulfide shall be formed in the concentration of the original DTNB species using the
synthetic method in Figure 1. I expect that the reactivities of this persulfide will be comparable to that
of related thiols, but with an increased nucleophilic property and improved use as a reducing agent.
Changes in functionality with Cyt-C will be easy identified and comparable to that of the thiols.
III: Background and Significance
In a recent study, cysteine hydropersulfides were shown to be endogenously formed for use in
biologically relevant proteins. Studies have been done to show relations between thiol and derivative
persulfide protein activity (Pan, Carroll). The difference in nucleophilicity between thiols and
persulfides has been shown in the electrophile scavenging abilities of thiol proteins and persulfidederived species (Fukuto). Persulfides have also been proposed to regulate redox cell signaling (Ioihica).
Relevance of persulfides in biology has been shown as well by their tendency to be oxidized like thiols
in biological systems (Biochemical Journal). Hydropersulfides react with electrophiles and perform in
redox signal regulation in proteins.
Data suggests a possible physiological interaction of
hydropersulfides in significant amounts within the body. My work will compound on these by providing
important information about persulfide reactivities in these systems. It is important to do this work
because persulfides may be endogenously formed in the body to conduct reactions similar to that of
thiols, but with increased reducing capabilities and nucleophilicity.
IV: Experimental Design and Methods:

Figure 3
Figure 2

Generation of GSSH will be done using 5,5dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) a.k.a. DTNB. This
quantifiable in situ generation of the persulfide Lglutathione (GSSH) will be used to detect Molarities of thionitrobenzoate (TNB) by using UV Vis. Due
to TNB being such a weak base, it will further react with H 2S (in the form of Na2S) that will generate
the equivalent molarity of TNB anion and the GSSH. TNB is a great indicator because it is quantifiable
and is generated in the same concentration as the persulfide. This reaction was carried out at 412 nm
because that is where the chromophore absorbs light. This can be used to accurately depict our percent
yield given absorbance of the chomophore.
The GSSH will then be characterized to prove the presence of the molecule. A UV Vis will be used and
a mixture of GSSH, GSSG, and H2S will be introduced with an absorbance max of 280nm. With the
addition of NaOH, the peak will move to a max of 340nm, which can be seen in Figure 3, which will
indicate the presence of a persulfide anion functional group. Figure 3 shows the UV Vis spectra found
in Fukutos paper Reaction of H2 S with Oxidized Thiols: Generation of persulfides and Implications to
H2 S Biology. Following this instruction, we can conclude the presence of our persulfide.
It is proposed that a persulfide radical is more stable than a thiol radical in its oxidized state because an
extra electron from the preceding Sulfur within the persulfide jumps to the positively charged sulfur at
the end of the chain. Since the positive charge rests on the central sulfur, it is proposed to be more stable
as the positive charge and negative charges on the two sulfurs cancel. Following this thought, a Clark
electrode can be used to measure the presence of oxygen when the persulfide is reacted to produce its
radical form. When O2 is presented into the system, its being reacted with the GSSH and is slowly
leaving the system, which is mapped on the Clark electrode. When superoxide (SOD) is put into the
system, the negative slope of that line will be cut in half because it will react with the oxygen anion
product and form hydrogen peroxide and O 2 which is added at a 1:1/2 molar ratio. This is proposed to
be observed, and can be directly compared to the exact same reaction with a thiol. The rate that the O 2 is
consumed is related to its reducing capabilities; so the more O 2 that is consumed, the more the reactant
wants to be oxidized.
The reducing capabilities of thiols and persulfides can also be compared by how quickly they react with
cytochrome c. Reactions between GSH with Cyt-C Fe(III) produces Cyt-C Fe(II) by an oxidizing
mechanism. Since we propose GSSH is a better reducing agent than GSH, our hypothesis is that it will
react more quickly with the Cyt-C Fe(III) compound. This indicates a general reaction of nucleophilic
hydropersulfides with an electrophilic species such as Cyt-C Fe(III). This can be measured by a
spectrophotometer and graphed to compare the slopes of the lines of the reactions. If the slope is
greater, we can conclude it is a better reducing agent.

I will be using the various sizes of beakers to conduct the synthesis. Transfer pipettes will be used to
cleanly and accurately create a solution with the desired Molarity. The HPLC and GCMS from Dr.
Fukutos lab will be used to quantify and compare the reactivites of the persulfides and thiols. All
chemicals are already present in Dr. Fukutos lab and will be used for these reactions. We plan to
accurately transfer and react the chemicals while mix them properly using stirring rods and a magnetic
stirring plate to dissolve the various chemicals used throughout the synthesis. The mixtures will then be
run through the HPLC/GCMS. These results will then be mathematically compared to the results
previously determined involving thiols and a conclusion will be made determining if the hypotheses are
correct or not. Further reactions with Cyt-C will produce results from GCMS and HPLC of reaction
rates that can also be equated to that of thiols using references of previous reactions published in the
following papers.

V: References
The reaction of H2S with oxidized thiols: Generation of persulfides and implications to H 2S
biology. Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics Volume 516, Issue 2, 15 December 2011, Pages
146153
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003986111003262
Persulde Reactivity in the Detection of Protein S-Sulfhydration. Jia Pan and Kate S. Carroll,
Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute.
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/cb4001052
Characterization of an NADH-Dependent Persulfide Reductase from Shewanella loihica PV-4:
Implications for the Mechanism of Sulfur Respiration via FAD-Dependent Enzymes. The Biochemistry
Article, November 22, 2010.
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/bi101232y
Characterization of Patient Mutations in Human Persulfide Dioxygenase (ETHE1) Involved in
H2S Catabolism. Omar Kabil and Ruma Banarjee, J. Biol. Chem published online November 9, 2012.
http://www.jbc.org/content/287/53/44561.full.pdf+html
Reactions in Liquid Hydrogen Sulfide. Reactions Between Persulfides of Hydrogen and Organic
Compounds. Walter Bernard King, John A. Wilkinson, August 1932 pp 3070-3073.
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/ja01347a007
Persulfide formation on mitochondrial cysteine desulfurase: enzyme activation by a eukaryotespecific interacting protein and Fe-S cluster synthesis. Biochemical Journal. 12/ 1/2012, Vol. 448 Issue
2, following p171-187. 20p.
http://0ejournals.ebsco.com.iii.sonoma.edu/Direct.asp?
AccessToken=54WWF49TRNZWP4SJUUYYFQN6ZPVPT6QU4&Show=Object

SCIENTIFIC EDUCATIONAL IMPACT

This project will impact my scientific education by giving me a chance to work in my first individual
lab. The experience will be priceless. It will be my first time working on a project and I will be learning
how to use machines such as the HPLC and GCMS that I have never used before. I will be in direct
contact with my professor and instructor, Dr. Fukuto, who will help me when I am facing a difficulty.
This will be a great bonding experience and will help me learn how to ask questions and to know when I
need help. Also, with the help of a colleague working on a similar project, Max Torke, I will have
assistance when the teacher is busy. This will have a great impact because as well as learning about
chemistry I will also be able to bond with fellow chemists and create a network that will be beneficial in
my future. I will be working on a biologically relevant project that will have scientific impact on others
as well. This project will be a great first project because it allows me to use my knowledge from
General Chemistry and the further understanding of Organic Chemistry I am getting from Dr. Farmers
class. Writing this proposal gives me practice for writing future proposals as well. This timeless
opportunity will also prepare me for graduate school and the career ahead because it helps me build on
my work ethic, application skills, and chemistry knowledge.

EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES, AND RESOURCES AVAILABLE:

I will be using the HPLC and GCMS from Dr. Fukutos Lab in Darwin 317 and 320.
The DTNB, Na2 S, -TNB, Cyt-C Fe(III), and SOD are divided between those two labs and provided by
Dr. Fukuto, although more may be needed.
The mass spectrometer can be found in Darwin 320 or the PHI Auger Spectrometer can be used in the
Keck Lab.
Transfer pipettes, various beakers, and quartz cuvettes will also be needed to store/use these chemicals
and can be found in Darwin 317.
The Clark Electrode I will be using can be found in Darwin 317.
A spectrophotometer is present in Darwin 320, which will be used for the Clark electrode/SOD reaction.

BUDGET REQUESTED
Budget Category

Amount Requested ($)

1. Equipment (List requested equipment below and cost of each item)

$34.40+$95.90

DTNB 1g ($34.40), -TNB 500mg ($95.90), SOD 15KU ($62.80),

Cytochrome C 10mg ($440.00)

$62.80+$440.00
=$633.10
Although most can be found in
Dr. Fukutos lab already

Equipment Category Subtotal:

$633.10

2. Supplies/Materials (List requested supplies/materials and cost of each item)

GCMS, HPLC, transfer pipettes, beakers, labeling tape, etc.

All materials can be found in

Dr. Fukutos lab or in the
Darwin basement.
$0

Supplies/Materials Category Subtotal:

No travel, all found at SSU

3. Travel

$0

Travel Category Subtotal:

none

5. Other

$0

Other Category Subtotal:

TOTAL AMOUNT REQUESTED

BUDGET JUSTIFICATION:

$633.10

Since transportation and use of the materials and supplies is minimal, I will only need the supplies.
These are of vital importance because without them the reactions cannot be done. Dr. Fukuto only has
limited quantities of these on campus, therefore funding is needed for the correct amount to perform
these experiments. DTNB and TNB are needed to form the GSSH, while the Cyt-C and SOD are
needed to perform the experiments measuring the persulfide reactivities to compare to that of thiols.

KEY MILESTONES AND PROJECT TIMELINE

Since the Persulfide has already been formed in the lab, I can now focus on mass producing it so we can
have it undergo numerous reactions to characterize it and run various reactions. This should take until
about February of 2014 because Max Torke and I have many different things we want to react with it.
After that we will begin measuring reaction rates until we will present our findings in the Chemistry 315
Lab Meeting. We plan to attend lab at least 6 hours a week, if not more, to get what we want done.
Week 1-2 Begin mass-producing GSSH to work with. Find most efficient method.
Week 2-3 Characterize the GSSH.
Week 3-5 React the GSSH and thiols with bimane and run through HPLC.
Week 6-9 Perform GSSH/GSH and O2 reactions with Clark Electrode.
Week 9-12 Perform GSSH/GSH and Cyt-C Fe(III) reactions.
Week 12-15 Analyze data and prepare for presentation.

PROJECT AND LAB SPECIFIC SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

Since we are working with H2S, all reactions involving this chemical must be done under the hood, with
glasses on and lab gloves worn. It can be poisonous if enough is inhaled, and leaving it under the hood
will dispel this safety hazard.
From OSHA: Hydrogen Sulfide or sour gas (H2S) is a flammable, colorless gas that is toxic at extremely
low concentrations. It is heavier than air, and may accumulate in low-lying areas. It smells like "rotten
eggs" at low concentrations and causes you to quickly lose your sense of smell Flaring operations
associated with H2S production will generate Sulfur Dioxide (S02), another toxic gas. Active monitoring
for hydrogen sulfide gas and good planning and training programs for workers are the best ways to
prevent injury and death.

BRIEF BIOSKETCH
Professional Preparation
Institution
Sonoma State University
Sonoma Valley High School

Major/Area
Chemistry
Chemistry

Degree
Working
on B.S.
H.S.
Degree

Year
2013
2012

Publications, grants, presentations:

Publications N/A
Grants N/A
Presentations - Thinking Like a Scientist (SCI-102): Freshman year presentations of ethics, molecule in
a box experiment, and numerous others. Chem 315: presentation on ethics of Erin Brokovich.
Recent research accomplishments:
Currently, I have been researching Persulfides, creating a good knowledge base to continue my research
in this lab. I hope to perform the experiments above and publish them with Dr. Fukuto.
Honors and awards:
ACS and APS Membership since November 2013
Sherry Volk Memorial Scholarship given Fall 2014, $500
Performance Scholarship of Sonoma Valley given Fall 2013, $1300 per semester
Foreign Language Award (SVHS) given Spring 2013
Artisan Sothebys Realty Scholarship given Spring 2013, $1000
3rd Degree ITF Black Belt Certificate in TaeKwonDo given Fall 2012