Sulfotransferase 4A1 (SULT4A1)

Sulfotransferase 4A1 (SULT4A1) is a highly conserved cytosolic enzyme predominantly expressed in the brain, belonging to the family of sulfotransferases involved in Phase II metabolism[2][3][6]. Unlike most sulfotransferases, SULT4A1 exhibits very low affinity for the universal sulfate donor PAPS and has atypically low detectable catalytic activity in standard assays[6]. It is localized primarily in neuronal cytosol and mitochondria, where it is thought to protect cells from oxidative stress and regulate neuronal growth and branching, possibly through effects on proteins such as Pin1 and NMDA receptor complexes[2][3][4]. Variations and dysregulation in SULT4A1 gene expression are associated with neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders such as schizophrenia, Phelan-McDermid syndrome, and Alzheimer's disease, where its measurement in brain regions may serve as a biomarker of disease progression or therapeutic response[1][3][5]. Although its endogenous substrate(s) and physiological enzymatic activity are not fully established, SULT4A1 is increasingly recognized as a key regulator of neuronal integrity and function, especially in synaptic signaling and oxidative stress management[2][3][4][6]. No therapeutic drugs are currently known to target SULT4A1 directly. No currently approved or investigational drugs specifically modulate SULT4A1 directly. Though classified as an enzyme, its catalytic activity and true substrate(s) remain unidentified. Most literature refers to this enzyme by the canonical abbreviation SULT4A1; the canonical name follows HUGO and UniProt standards.

Other names

Sulfotransferase family 4A member 1SULT4A1SULTX3ST4A1hBR-STLhBR-STL-1NSTbrain sulfotransferase-like proteinnervous system sulfotransferaseBR-STL-1BRSTL1DJ388M5.3sulfotransferase-related protein

No known small-molecule drugs; modulates neuronal morphology and synaptic transmission, potentially through Pin1 inhibition