Sulfatase

Sulfatases are a family of enzymes belonging to the esterase class that catalyze the hydrolysis of sulfate esters from a wide variety of substrates including proteins, carbohydrates, steroids, and aromatic compounds. They play essential roles both inside and outside cells; for example, they are critical for degrading glycolipids within lysosomes and remodeling sulfated glycosaminoglycans in the extracellular matrix. In mammals, sulfatases help process sulfur-containing compounds produced by organs such as the gonads and adrenals by desulfating steroid hormones after their distribution through circulation. Deficiencies or genetic mutations affecting sulfatases can lead to severe lysosomal storage disorders like multiple sulfatase deficiency due to abnormal accumulation of undigested fats and sugars within cells. Structurally diverse but functionally related subtypes include arylsulfatases A–C and steroid sulfatases.

Other names

ArylsulfataseSteroid sulfataseCerebroside-sulfataseGlucosamine-6-sulfataseSulfatases (plural)EC 3.1.6.- enzymes