Heparan sulfate-glucosamine 3-O-sulfotransferase 2 (HS3ST2)

Heparan sulfate-glucosamine 3-O-sulfotransferase 2 (HS3ST2) is an enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of a sulfo group to glucosamine residues on heparan sulfate chains, producing rare 3-O-sulfated motifs. These modifications can affect diverse biological processes by altering heparan sulfate interactions with proteins involved in signaling, cell migration, and viral entry. HS3ST2 is predominantly expressed in the brain, where it regulates the fine structure of neuronal heparan sulfate and has been implicated in the abnormal phosphorylation and aggregation of tau protein—processes key to the pathology of Alzheimer’s disease. In cancer, the gene’s expression is frequently dysregulated, with its function ranging from tumor-suppressive (downregulation or epigenetic silencing) to tumor-promoting (enhanced invasiveness and signaling), depending on the context. Although HS3ST2 is of interest as a potential therapeutic target in both oncology and neurodegeneration, there are currently no clinically established drugs directed at this enzyme[1][2][3][4][5][6].

Other names

Heparan sulfate glucosaminyl 3-O-sulfotransferase 23OST23-OST-2h3-OST-2heparan sulfate D-glucosaminyl 3-O-sulfotransferase 2heparin-glucosamine 3-O-sulfotransferaseHeparan sulfate 3-O-sulfotransferase 2

No specific small molecules or drugs currently established; potential mechanisms of action for targeting include altering the enzyme’s sulfotransferase activity to modulate heparan sulfate structure and downstream signaling Modulation could impact cell signaling, tumor progression, or pathological tau phosphorylation/aggregation