Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026
10:47
Rapid Detection of Neurodevelopmental Phenotypes in Human Neural Precursor Cells (NPCs)
Published on: March 2, 2018
Expression of sulfate pathway genes in human neurodevelopment
Prasidhee Vijayakumar1, Kim M Summers1, Paul A Dawson1
1Mater Research Institute - University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia.
Journal of Neurogenetics
|May 8, 2026
Summary
This study explored sulfate-related genes in the human fetal brain, identifying 48 genes coexpressed with neurodevelopmental processes. These findings highlight potential new targets for understanding brain development and neuropathology.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Sulfate is crucial for brain development, with many conserved sulfate-related genes.
- 16 known sulfate genes are linked to brain conditions, but others may also be involved.
- Understanding the role of all sulfate genes in fetal brain development is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression patterns of all known sulfate biology genes in the human fetal brain.
- To identify novel sulfate-related genes coexpressed with neurodevelopmental processes.
- To provide insights into the physiological roles of these genes in neuropathology.
Main Methods:
- Curated spatial and temporal expression data of sulfate genes in the human fetal brain (8-37 pcw) from the BrainSpan database.
- Performed network analysis to cluster sulfate genes with known neurodevelopmental genes.
- Analyzed gene expression across 11 brain regions and specific developmental time points.
Main Results:
- Identified 64 sulfate-related genes with moderate or abundant expression in the fetal brain.
- Observed steady-state expression for key genes (e.g., sulfotransferases, sulfatases, transporters) throughout gestation.
- Found significant clustering of sulfate genes with neurodevelopmental genes involved in neuronal migration and synaptogenesis between 21-24 pcw.
- Identified 15 sulfate genes in the hippocampus (8-21 pcw) coexpressed with genes for neurogenesis and differentiation.
Conclusions:
- Identified 48 novel sulfate-related genes expressed in the fetal brain and coexpressed with neurodevelopmental genes.
- These genes represent potential candidates for future research into physiological roles and neuropathology.
- The findings expand the known genetic landscape of brain development and sulfate metabolism.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Sulfur Assimilation
Sulfur is an essential element in biological systems, contributing to synthesizing key biomolecules, including amino acids such as cysteine and methionine, and cofactors such as coenzyme A and biotin. Microorganisms primarily assimilate sulfur as sulfate (SO₄²⁻) from the environment, which must undergo a series of biochemical transformations before it can be incorporated into cellular components. As sulfate is highly oxidized, it must undergo assimilatory sulfate reduction to become...
01:19Phase II Reactions: Sulfation and Conjugation with α-Amino Acids
Sulfation and α-amino acid conjugation are two critical biotransformation reactions in drug metabolism. Sulfation, a phase II biotransformation reaction, involves adding a polar sulfate group to a drug, enhancing its water solubility and promoting excretion. This process can either co-occur with or occur independently of glucuronidation. Nonmicrosomal sulfotransferase enzymes catalyze the process. The reaction involves 3'-phosphoadenosine-5'-phosphosulfate or PAPS coenzyme activation, sulfur...