Galactose-3-O-sulfotransferase 2 (GAL3ST2)

Galactose-3-O-sulfotransferase 2 (GAL3ST2) is an enzyme of the galactose-3-O-sulfotransferase family that catalyzes the transfer of sulfate to the C-3 hydroxyl group of non-reducing beta-galactosyl residues in diverse glycoconjugates[1][3]. This modification predominantly occurs on both type 1 and type 2 oligosaccharides and on core 1 mucin-type O-glycans, facilitating the biosynthesis of 3′-sulfated glycan structures such as 3′-sulfo-Lewis antigens[1][2]. GAL3ST2 expression is found in multiple tissues, notably in the gastrointestinal tract mucosa, and it is involved in the synthesis of sulfomucins that are important for mucosal barrier integrity[4]. Dysregulation or altered expression of GAL3ST2 has been associated with tumor metastasis and certain cancers, with increased sulfation of tumor cell surface glycans impacting cell–cell interactions and possibly immune recognition[1][5]. No drugs are currently approved that directly target this enzyme, but it is considered a promising molecular enzyme target for altering glycosylation-dependent cell processes in oncology and mucosal biology[1][3][5].

Other names

GP3STGal3ST-2Beta-galactose-3-O-sulfotransferase 2Gal-beta-1,3-GalNAc 3'-sulfotransferase 2Glycoprotein beta-Gal 3'-sulfotransferase 2gal 3-O-sulphotransferasegal-beta-1,3-GalNAc 3'-sulfotransferase 2galbeta1-3GalNAc 3'-sulfotransferase 2GAL3ST-2

no drugs with characterized mechanism of action targeting GAL3ST2; the enzyme’s modification of glycan structures could, in principle, alter cell recognition or binding by certain therapeutic agents or antibodies[5]