Sulfonation and molecular action

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Endocrinology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Sulfonation is a widespread endogenous modification of molecules, yet its full biological significance remains incompletely understood.
• This process is particularly underappreciated in endocrinology, despite its prevalence in hormone modification.
• Existing knowledge gaps hinder a comprehensive understanding of sulfonation's fundamental biological roles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the diverse roles of sulfonation across various biological systems.
• To highlight recent advances in understanding steroid/sterol sulfoconjugation, including novel gene discoveries.
• To emphasize the impact of sulfonation on hormone function, neurosteroid activity, and extracellular signaling.

Main Methods:

• Review and synthesis of existing literature on endogenous molecule sulfonation.
• Focus on advancements in understanding steroid sulfoconjugation pathways.
• Analysis of sulfonation's impact on specific molecule classes: steroids, thyroid hormones, catecholamines, pituitary hormones, neuroendocrine peptides, and growth factors.

Main Results:

• Discovery of a novel gene encoding sulfotransferase isoforms for cholesterol and pregnenolone sulfonation.
• Cholesterol sulfate is vital for skin barrier function; pregnenolone sulfate is a key neurosteroid.
• Sulfonation influences pituitary hormone clearance and neuroendocrine peptide receptor binding, and growth factor signaling.

Conclusions:

• Sulfonation is a critical posttranslational modification with significant, often underappreciated, biological functions.
• Recent discoveries are improving our understanding of sulfonation's role in endocrinology and cellular signaling.
• Further research is needed to fully comprehend the pervasive impact of sulfonation on physiological processes.