John Westley (biochemist)

John Westley (1925-2004) was an American biochemist known for his research on sulfur metabolism and sulfur-containing enzymes. He made significant contributions to understanding the biochemistry of thiosulfate sulfurtransferase (rhodanese) and other sulfurtransferases, as well as the role of these enzymes in cyanide detoxification and sulfur detoxification pathways.

Westley received his Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Illinois in 1952. He then joined the faculty at the University of Chicago, where he remained for the majority of his academic career. His research focused on the enzymatic mechanisms of sulfur transfer and the physiological significance of these reactions. He investigated the role of sulfurtransferases in a variety of biological processes, including the metabolism of hydrogen sulfide and the detoxification of cyanide.

Westley’s work on rhodanese was particularly influential. He elucidated the mechanism of this enzyme, demonstrating its role in transferring sulfur from thiosulfate to cyanide, forming thiocyanate. He also explored the broader physiological implications of rhodanese, proposing that it played a protective role against cyanide poisoning by facilitating the detoxification of cyanide to the less toxic thiocyanate.

His research extended to other sulfur-containing enzymes and their involvement in diverse metabolic pathways. He published extensively on the topic, contributing significantly to the understanding of sulfur biochemistry.