Sulfotransferase

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Sulfotransferase[edit | edit source]

Sulfotransferase is a type of enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of a sulfate group from a donor molecule to an acceptor molecule. This process, known as sulfation, is a crucial part of many biological processes in the body, including hormone regulation, detoxification, and drug metabolism.

Structure[edit | edit source]

Sulfotransferases are typically composed of a single polypeptide chain, with a catalytic domain and a binding domain. The catalytic domain is responsible for the transfer of the sulfate group, while the binding domain recognizes and binds to the acceptor molecule. The structure of sulfotransferases can vary greatly depending on the specific type of sulfotransferase and the species in which it is found.

Function[edit | edit source]

The primary function of sulfotransferases is to catalyze the transfer of a sulfate group from a donor molecule, such as 3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphosulfate (PAPS), to an acceptor molecule. This process is known as sulfation and is a key step in many biological processes, including the metabolism of hormones, drugs, and xenobiotics.

Sulfotransferases are also involved in the biosynthesis of proteoglycans, which are important components of the extracellular matrix in many tissues. In addition, they play a role in the regulation of cell signaling pathways, and are involved in the detoxification of certain harmful substances in the body.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Alterations in the activity of sulfotransferases can lead to a variety of health problems. For example, reduced activity of certain sulfotransferases can lead to an increased risk of cancer, due to the reduced ability to detoxify certain carcinogens. On the other hand, increased activity of certain sulfotransferases can lead to an increased risk of drug toxicity, due to the increased conversion of certain drugs into toxic metabolites.

In addition, mutations in the genes encoding sulfotransferases can lead to a variety of genetic disorders. For example, mutations in the gene encoding the enzyme heparan sulfate 2-O-sulfotransferase can lead to a rare genetic disorder known as Sanfilippo syndrome.

File:Sulfotransferase 1A1.png
Structure of the human sulfotransferase enzyme.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD