Sulfatase 1 (SULF1)

Sulfatase 1 (SULF1) is an extracellular enzyme belonging to the arylsulfatase family that regulates cell signaling by specifically removing 6-O-sulfate groups from heparan sulfate (HS) chains on proteoglycans found on the cell surface and in the extracellular matrix. This desulfation modifies the ability of HS to bind growth factors and cytokines (such as Wnt, BMP, FGF, VEGF, and others), thus fine-tuning signaling pathways involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, and developmental patterning. SULF1 activity also impacts signaling in pathological processes such as cancer and osteoarthritis, where altered SULF1 expression can affect disease progression. SULF1 is structurally related to other arylsulfatases but is unique in its extracellular activity and specificity for heparan sulfate 6-O-desulfation.

Other names

SULF1Heparan sulfate 6-O-endosulfatase 1HSulf1Sulfatase HSulf1Extracellular sulfatase 1

Enzymatic removal of 6-O-sulfate groups from heparan sulfate chains on proteoglycans, altering growth factor and cytokine binding and downstream signaling