Biotransformation of Allium Sulfur Metabolites by Proteus mirabilis Yields Cepathiosoxide, a Trithiabicyclic Sulfoxide

Organic Letters 2026

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Authors: Jaeyoun Lee, Yulseung Sung, Youngsang Nam, Jung Min Han, Seoung Rak Lee, Soohyun Um, Seung Hyun Kim
DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.6c00329
Cited by: 0
References: 22

Abstract

Exposing onion-derived sulfur metabolites to Proteus mirabilis yielded cepathiosoxide, a structurally distinct trithiabicyclic sulfoxide formed through microbial biotransformation. LC–MS revealed the loss of native Allium tetrasulfides and the emergence of a unique cepathiosoxide. NMR spectroscopy and ECD established the existence of a rigid [4.2.1] framework with an embedded sulfoxide. Cepathiosoxide affected colorectal cancer cell viability without impacting normal human colon epithelial cells. These findings indicate that microbial sulfur metabolism provides structurally distinct and potentially relevant metabolites.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Garlic and Onion Studies Sulfur Compounds in Biology Synthesis and Reactivity of Sulfur-Containing Compounds

Publication details

Journal / source
Organic Letters
Volume
28
Issue
11
Pages
3458–3462
Publication date
5 March 2026
Language
EN