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Sulfatase Enzymes

Meaning

Sulfatase Enzymes are a class of hydrolase enzymes that catalyze the removal of sulfate groups from various sulfated compounds, including steroid hormones, glycosaminoglycans, and lipids. In the context of hormonal health, these enzymes are critical for the activation of steroid precursors and the deconjugation of inactive hormone metabolites. Specifically, steroid sulfatase (STS) is essential for converting inactive dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) back into the active, unconjugated hormone DHEA, allowing peripheral tissues to locally regulate active steroid levels. The activity of these enzymes is a key determinant of local hormone bioavailability.