Szulfotranszferázok

Szulfotranszferázok is the Hungarian term for sulfotransferases. These are enzymes that catalyze the transfer of a sulfonyl group (SO2) from a donor molecule, typically 3'-phosphoadenosine-5'-phosphosulfate (PAPS), to an acceptor molecule. This process is known as sulfation. Sulfation is a crucial metabolic pathway found in virtually all organisms and plays a vital role in a wide range of biological processes.

In humans and other mammals, sulfotransferases are involved in the detoxification and elimination of various endogenous and exogenous compounds. They sulfate hormones, neurotransmitters, bile acids, and xenobiotics like drugs and environmental toxins. By adding a negatively charged sulfate group, sulfation often increases the water solubility of these molecules, facilitating their excretion from the body. This is particularly important for steroid hormones and thyroid hormones, affecting their activity and metabolism.

Sulfotransferases are a diverse family of enzymes, with different specificities for their acceptor molecules. Some sulfotransferases are highly specific, while others can sulfate a broader range of substrates. The activity of sulfotransferases can be influenced by various factors, including genetic variations, diet, and exposure to certain chemicals. Dysregulation of sulfotransferase activity has been implicated in various diseases, including certain cancers and drug-related toxicities. The study of sulfotransferases is important for understanding drug metabolism, hormone regulation, and the development of novel therapeutic strategies.