Function
Sulfotransferase (ST) are enzymes which catalyze the transfer of a sulfate group from a donor molecule to an acceptor alcohol or amine. The acceptors are hormones, neurotransmitters, drugs and xenobiotic compounds. The addition of a charged chemical moiety to the above carbon-rich water-insoluble molecules, make them more soluble and thus transportable in the circulatory system[1]. The various human STs are named SULT### and differ in their tissue distribution and substrate specificities. The most common donor molecule is 3’-phosphoadenosine-5’-phosphosulfate (PAP).
Relevance
Reduced level of ST expression and activity is observed in liver diseases[2].
Structural highlights
ST catalytic residues His and Lys interact with the sulfate donor molecule PAP[3].
