What is the Origin of Sulfotransferases?

The name is a precise, descriptive compound: "sulfo-" refers to the sulfuryl group being transferred, and "transferase" is the general classification for enzymes that catalyze the transfer of a functional group from one molecule to another. The understanding of this vital conjugation pathway is a foundational concept within the fields of enzymology and drug metabolism.

What is the Mechanism of Sulfotransferases?

The enzymatic process requires the binding of both the PAPS donor molecule and the acceptor substrate, such as a steroid hormone like DHEA, to the specific active site of the sulfotransferase enzyme. The enzyme then efficiently facilitates the transfer of the sulfuryl group to the acceptor molecule, resulting in the formation of the sulfated, inactive conjugate and the byproduct 3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphate (PAP). This sulfation reaction generally functions to inactivate the hormone, substantially increase its polarity, and effectively mark it for rapid clearance from the body.

Sulfotransferases ∞ Area

Sulfotransferases

Meaning

Sulfotransferases are a ubiquitous family of cytosolic and membrane-bound enzymes that are fundamentally involved in the body’s phase II detoxification and metabolism processes by catalyzing the transfer of a sulfuryl group. They utilize the universal donor, 3′-phosphoadenosine 5′-phosphosulfate (PAPS), to attach a sulfate group to a hydroxyl moiety on a wide array of acceptor molecules. These critical enzymes process numerous endogenous compounds, including steroid hormones, thyroid hormones, and bile acids, as well as various foreign xenobiotics. Their enzymatic action typically results in the formation of highly water-soluble sulfate esters, which significantly facilitates efficient renal excretion.