Sulfuryltransfer

Sulfuryltransfer refers to a class of biochemical reactions where a sulfonyl group (SO2) is transferred from one molecule to another. This transfer is typically mediated by enzymes known as sulfuryltransferases. These enzymes play crucial roles in various metabolic pathways, particularly in the detoxification and excretion of xenobiotics and endogenous compounds.

The sulfonyl group can be transferred from a donor molecule, often a molecule already conjugated with a sulfonate group, to an acceptor molecule. This process is a form of conjugation, where the acceptor molecule is made more soluble and thus easier to eliminate from the body. Common acceptor molecules include alcohols, phenols, and amines.

A key example of sulfuryltransfer is the sulfation of steroids and xenobiotics. This reaction is important for hormone metabolism and the processing of drugs and environmental toxins. The enzymes involved in sulfuryltransfer often utilize adenosine-3'-phosphate-5'-phosphosulfate (PAPS) as a high-energy donor of the sulfonyl group. PAPS is synthesized in the cell from ATP and inorganic sulfate.

Disruptions in sulfuryltransfer pathways can have significant physiological consequences, potentially affecting drug efficacy and leading to the accumulation of toxic substances. Research into sulfuryltransferases continues to be important for understanding drug metabolism, detoxification mechanisms, and the development of new therapeutic strategies.