NDST2

NDST2, also known as N-deacetylase/N-sulfotransferase 2, is an enzyme encoded by the NDST2 gene. This gene is found in humans and other mammals. The enzyme it produces plays a crucial role in the biosynthesis of heparin and heparan sulfate. These glycosaminoglycans are complex carbohydrates found on the surface of cells and in the extracellular matrix.

Heparin and heparan sulfate are involved in a wide array of biological processes. They are essential for cell growth, cell adhesion, and signal transduction. NDST2 is particularly important for its ability to catalyze the N-sulfation of glucosamine residues within these polysaccharides. This specific modification is critical for the biological activity of heparin and heparan sulfate.

Mutations in the NDST2 gene have been linked to certain genetic disorders. For example, research has suggested a connection between NDST2 dysfunction and conditions affecting skeletal development. The precise mechanisms by which NDST2 mutations lead to these phenotypes are still being investigated, highlighting the ongoing importance of understanding this enzyme's function in human health. Further research into NDST2 continues to explore its role in normal physiological processes and its implications in disease.