Abstract
Biodesulfurization (BDS) enables the gentle removal of organosulfur
compounds using environmentally friendly enzymes. Even though
researchers are committed to engineering the biodesulfurization-specific
4S pathway for improving BDS efficiency, the industrial BDS application
of BDS is still difficult. Recently, sulfur metabolism of Rhodococcus
has begun to attract attention due to its BDS potential. In this review,
we introduce the regulation of the 4S pathway and summarize different
aspects of sulfur metabolism, including sulfur absorption, sulfur
reduction, and sulfur assimilation. The stress response to sulfur
starvation and the influence of sulfur metabolism on BDS efficiency are
also discussed. The latest advancements in genetic engineering have
enabled gene control in Rhodococcus. An improved understanding of the
relationship between sulfur metabolism and desulfurization will enable
the industrial application of BDS.