What is the Origin of SULT Enzymes?

The term SULT enzymes is rooted in biochemistry and toxicology, classifying them based on the chemical reaction they catalyze: the transfer of a sulfuryl group (SO3) from a donor molecule, 3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphosulfate (PAPS), to a hydroxyl or amino group on the substrate. In the context of endocrinology, specific SULT isoforms, such as SULT1A1, are essential for the metabolic clearance of hormones like dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and estrogens.

What is the Mechanism of SULT Enzymes?

The mechanism involves a transfer reaction where the SULT enzyme utilizes PAPS as the universal sulfuryl group donor. The enzyme binds both the PAPS and the hormone substrate, catalyzing the transfer of the sulfur

SULT Enzymes ∞ Area

SULT Enzymes

Meaning

SULT is the acronym for Sulfotransferase enzymes, a family of Phase II detoxification enzymes primarily responsible for the sulfation, or sulfoconjugation, of various endogenous compounds, including steroid hormones, thyroid hormones, and catecholamines, as well as exogenous drugs and xenobiotics. This enzymatic process typically increases the compound’s water solubility, facilitating its renal excretion and generally leading to the inactivation of the hormone. Their activity is a crucial determinant of steroid hormone clearance and biological half-life.