SULFOTRANSFERASES Meaning and
Definition
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Sulfotransferases are a family of enzymes that play a crucial role in the body's metabolic processes. These enzymes are responsible for the transfer of a sulfate group from a donor molecule, such as 3'-phosphoadenosine-5'-phosphosulfate (PAPS), to a target molecule, often referred to as a substrate. This transfer of the sulfate group results in the introduction of a sulfonate group into the substrate molecule.
The sulfonate group added by sulfotransferases can significantly alter the chemical properties of the substrate, affecting its solubility, stability, and interaction with other molecules. This modification is important for a wide range of biological processes including hormone regulation, drug metabolism, detoxification, and the synthesis of various compounds involved in cell signaling.
Sulfotransferases are found in various tissues throughout the body, with different isoforms being expressed in different organs. The expression of sulfotransferase isoforms can vary greatly between individuals, contributing to inter-individual variations in drug response and susceptibility to diseases. Genetic polymorphisms in sulfotransferase genes can also influence an individual's ability to metabolize and eliminate certain drugs, and may affect their response to therapy.
The study of sulfotransferases is essential in understanding the role of these enzymes in human physiology and pathology. Researchers are investigating these enzymes as potential therapeutic targets for various diseases, and the development of drugs that selectively inhibit or activate specific sulfotransferase isoforms is an active area of research in pharmacology and medicine.
Common Misspellings for SULFOTRANSFERASES
- aulfotransferases
- zulfotransferases
- xulfotransferases
- dulfotransferases
- eulfotransferases
- wulfotransferases
- sylfotransferases
- shlfotransferases
- sjlfotransferases
- silfotransferases
- s8lfotransferases
- s7lfotransferases
- sukfotransferases
- supfotransferases
- suofotransferases
- suldotransferases
- sulcotransferases
- sulvotransferases
- sulgotransferases
- sultotransferases
Etymology of SULFOTRANSFERASES
The word "Sulfotransferases" is derived from the combination of two main components: "sulfate" and "transferases".
The term "sulfate" refers to a salt or ester of sulfuric acid, commonly found in compounds such as sodium sulfate or calcium sulfate. It originates from the Latin word "sulfur" meaning "sulfur" or "brimstone".
The term "transferases" refers to a class of enzymes that facilitate the transfer of functional groups (e.g., methyl, acyl, phosphate) from one molecule to another. It is derived from the word "transfer", which in turn comes from Latin and means "to carry across".
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