SULT1A1
Description
The SULT1A1 (sulfotransferase family 1A member 1) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 16.
Sulfotransferase 1A1 is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the SULT1A1 gene. Sulfotransferase enzymes catalyze the sulfate conjugation of many hormones, neurotransmitters, drugs, and xenobiotic compounds. These cytosolic enzymes are different in their tissue distributions and substrate specificities. The gene structure (number and length of exons) is similar among family members. This gene encodes one of two phenol sulfotransferases with thermostable enzyme activity. Multiple alternatively spliced variants that encode two isoforms have been identified for this gene. The SULT1A1 enzyme is expressed in outer roots sheath of hair follicles. Minoxidil, the only US FDA approved topical drug for re-growing hair in male and female pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia patients) is a pro-drug. Minoxidil is converted to its active form (minoxidil sulfate) by the hair sulfotransferase enzyme (SULT1A1). A large variability in sulfotransferase enzyme expression in hair is observed among people.
SULT1A1 is a sulfotransferase that uses 3'-phospho-5'-adenylyl sulfate (PAPS) as a sulfonate donor to attach sulfate groups to a wide variety of molecules containing hydroxyl or amine groups. This process, called sulfonation, increases the water solubility of many compounds, aiding in their removal by the kidneys. However, sulfonation can also activate some molecules, creating active metabolites. SULT1A1 has a broad preference for small phenolic compounds and plays a key role in the sulfonation of important endogenous molecules like steroid hormones and 3,3'-diiodothyronin. Additionally, SULT1A1 helps in the elimination of foreign substances, such as drugs like acetaminophen and minoxidil. While contributing to detoxification, SULT1A1 can also activate certain carcinogenic N-hydroxyarylamines, forming reactive intermediates that can damage DNA, potentially leading to mutations. SULT1A1 may also be involved in communication between the gut microbiome and the host. It can attach sulfate to 4-ethylphenol, a metabolite of tyrosine produced by gut bacteria. This modified 4-ethylphenol can cross the blood-brain barrier and may negatively impact the development and myelination of oligodendrocytes, affecting brain regions involved in the limbic system.
SULT1A1 is also known as HAST1/HAST2, P-PST, P-PST 1, PST, ST1A1, ST1A3, STP, STP1, TSPST1, ts-PST.
