The dimerization motif of cytosolic sulfotransferases

The role of genetic polymorphisms in the sulfation of pregnenolone by human cytosolic sulfotransferase SULT2B1a

Pregnenolone is a key intermediate in the biosynthesis of many steroid hormones and neuroprotective steroids. Sulfotransferase family cytosolic 2B member 1 (SULT2B1a) has been reported to be highly selective to sulfate pregnenolone. This study aimed to clarify the effect of missense single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the human SULT2B1 gene on the sulfating activity of coded SULT2B1a allozymes toward Pregnenolone. To investigate the effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms of the SULT2B1 gene on the sulfation of pregnenolone by SULT2B1a allozymes, 13 recombinant SULT2B1a allozymes were generated, expressed, and purified using established procedures. Human SULT2B1a SNPs were identified by a comprehensive database search. 13 SULT2B1a nonsynonymous missense coding SNPs (cSNPs) were selected, and site-directed mutagenesis was used to generate the corresponding cDNAs, packaged in pGEX-2TK expression vector, encoding these 13 SULT2B1a allozymes, which were bacterially expressed in BL21 E. coli cells and purified by glutathione-Sepharose affinity chromatography. Purified SULT2B1a allozymes were analyzed for sulfating activities towards pregnenolone. In comparison with the wild-type SULT2B1a, of the 13 allozymes, 11 showed reduced activity toward pregnenolone at 0.1 µM. Specifically, P134L and R259Q allozymes, reported to be involved in autosomal-recessive congenital ichthyosis, displayed low activity (1-10%) toward pregnenolone. The findings of this study may demonstrate the impact of genetic polymorphism on the sulfation of pregnenolone in individuals with different SULT2B1 genotypes.

A new type of sulfation reaction: C-sulfonation for α,β-unsaturated carbonyl groups by a novel sulfotransferase SULT7A1

Cytosolic sulfotransferases (SULTs) are cytosolic enzymes that catalyze the transfer of sulfonate group to key endogenous compounds, altering the physiological functions of their substrates. SULT enzymes catalyze the O-sulfonation of hydroxy groups or N-sulfonation of amino groups of substrate compounds. In this study, we report the discovery of C-sulfonation of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl groups mediated by a new SULT enzyme, SULT7A1, and human SULT1C4. Enzymatic assays revealed that SULT7A1 is capable of transferring the sulfonate group from 3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphosulfate to the α-carbon of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl-containing compounds, including cyclopentenone prostaglandins as representative endogenous substrates. Structural analyses of SULT7A1 suggest that the C-sulfonation reaction is catalyzed by a novel mechanism mediated by His and Cys residues in the active site. Ligand-activity assays demonstrated that sulfonated 15-deoxy prostaglandin J2 exhibits antagonist activity against the prostaglandin receptor EP2 and the prostacyclin receptor IP. Modification of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl groups via the new prostaglandin-sulfonating enzyme, SULT7A1, may regulate the physiological function of prostaglandins in the gut. Discovery of C-sulfonation of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl groups will broaden the spectrum of potential substrates and physiological functions of SULTs.

The role of genetic polymorphisms in the sulfation of pregnenolone by human cytosolic sulfotransferase SULT2B1a

Pregnenolone is a key intermediate in the biosynthesis of many steroid hormones and neuroprotective steroids. Sulfotransferase family cytosolic 2B member 1 (SULT2B1a) has been reported to be highly selective to sulfate pregnenolone. This study aimed to clarify the effect of missense single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the human SULT2B1 gene on the sulfating activity of coded SULT2B1a allozymes toward Pregnenolone. To investigate the effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms of the SULT2B1 gene on the sulfation of pregnenolone by SULT2B1a allozymes, 13 recombinant SULT2B1a allozymes were generated, expressed, and purified using established procedures. Human SULT2B1a SNPs were identified by a comprehensive database search. 13 SULT2B1a nonsynonymous missense coding SNPs (cSNPs) were selected, and site-directed mutagenesis was used to generate the corresponding cDNAs, packaged in pGEX-2TK expression vector, encoding these 13 SULT2B1a allozymes, which were bacterially expressed in BL21 E. coli cells and purified by glutathione-Sepharose affinity chromatography. Purified SULT2B1a allozymes were analyzed for sulfating activities towards pregnenolone. In comparison with the wild-type SULT2B1a, of the 13 allozymes, 11 showed reduced activity toward pregnenolone at 0.1 μM. Specifically, P134L and R259Q allozymes, reported to be involved in autosomal-recessive congenital ichthyosis, displayed low activity (1-10%) toward pregnenolone. The findings of this study may demonstrate the impact of genetic polymorphism on the sulfation of pregnenolone in individuals with different SULT2B1 genotypes.

Human cytosolic steroid sulfotransferases: Versatile and rapid activity assays

Conjugation of steroids and sterol compounds with a sulfonate group is a major pathway in the regulation of their activity, synthesis and excretion. Three human cytosolic sulfotransferases are highly involved in the sulfonation of sterol compounds. SULT1E1 has a low nM affinity for estrogen sulfonation and also conjugates non-aromatic steroids with a significantly lower affinity. SULT2A1 is responsible for the high levels of fetal and adult dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) sulfate synthesis in the adrenal gland as well as many 3α and 3ß-hydroxysteroids and bile acids. SULT2B1b is responsible for the majority of cholesterol sulfation in tissues as well as conjugating 3ß-hydroxysteroids. Although there are multiple methods for assaying cytosolic SULT activity, two relatively simple, rapid and versatile assays for steroid sulfonation are described. The first method utilizes radiolabeled substrates and organic solvent extraction to isolate the radiolabeled product from the aqueous phase. The second assay utilizes 35S-3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphosulfate (PAPS) to generate 35S-conjugated products that are resolved by thin layer chromatography. Both assays useful in situations requiring measurement of SULT activity in a timely manner.

Genome-wide characterization of the cytosolic sulfotransferase 1B member 1 (SULT1B1) family and its expression responses to sulfide stress in the razor clam Sinonovacula constricta

The razor clam (Sinonovacula constricta), a typical burrowing organism in the intertidal zones, is often exposed to sulfide environment and shows strong sulfide tolerance. Located downstream of the sulfur metabolism pathway, cytosolic sulfotransferase family 1B member 1 (SULT1B1) is a key enzyme catalysing the sulfonation reaction, and plays an important role in the biotransformation of endogenous substances such as thyroid hormones (THs). To investigate their roles in sulfide resistance, a systematic analysis of S. constricta SULT1B1s (ScSULT1B1s), including genomic distribution, phylogenetic relationships, gene structure, conserved motifs, and expression profiles under sulfide stress, was performed. A total of 10 ScSULT1B1 genes were found in the S. constricta genome. Sequence analysis showed that ScSULT1B1 gene family encoded 155-425 amino acids, containing four catalytic active sites (K, N, H, and S), one PAPS binding domain at the N-terminus, and one PAPS binding and dimerization domain at the C-terminus. The spatial-temporal expression patterns of ScSULT1B1s were further estimated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Among them, partial ScSULT1B1s showed significantly high expression in the gill, hepatopancreas, and siphon. Furthermore, the response expression of certain ScSULT1B1s significantly fluctuated under sulfide stress. Together, our results suggest that ScSULT1B1s, by mediating the sulfonation reaction, may regulate THs levels to maintain basic metabolic and immune functions, making S. constricta highly sulfide tolerant.

Sulfation of hyperoside by the human cytosolic sulfotransferases (SULTs): impact of genetic polymorphisms on hyperoside-sulfating activity of SULT1C4 allozymes

This study aimed to identify human cytosolic sulfotransferases (SULTs) that are capable of mediating hyperoside sulfation and examine the impact of genetic polymorphisms on their sulfating activity. Of the thirteen known human SULTs analyzed, five (1A1, 1A2, 1A3, 1C2, and 1C4) displayed sulfating activity toward hyperoside. Kinetic parameters of SULT1C4 that showed the strongest sulfating activity were determined. Ten SULT1C4 allozymes previously prepared were shown to display differential sulfating activities toward hyperoside, revealing clearly the functional impact of SULT1C4 genetic polymorphisms. These findings provided a robust biochemical foundation for further studies on the metabolism of hyperoside by sulfation.

Pharmacogenetics of human sulfotransferases and impact of amino acid exchange on Phase II drug metabolism

Sulfotransferases (SULTs) are Phase II drug-metabolizing enzymes (DMEs) catalyzing the sulfation of a variety of endogenous compounds, natural products, and drugs. Various drugs, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) can inhibit SULTs, affecting drug-drug interactions. Several polymorphisms have been identified for SULTs that might be crucial for interindividual variability in drug response and toxicity or for increased disease risk. Here, we review current knowledge on non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) of human SULTs, focusing on the coded SULT allozymes and molecular mechanisms explaining their variable activity, which is essential for personalized medicine. We discuss the structural and dynamic bases of key amino acid (AA) variants implicated in the impacts on drug metabolism in the case of SULT1A1, as revealed by molecular modeling approaches.

From Steroid and Drug Metabolism to Glycobiology, Using Sulfotransferase Structures to Understand and Tailor Function

Sulfotransferases are ubiquitous enzymes that transfer a sulfo group from the universal cofactor donor 3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphosulfate to a broad range of acceptor substrates. In humans, the cytosolic sulfotransferases are involved in the sulfation of endogenous compounds such as steroids, neurotransmitters, hormones, and bile acids as well as xenobiotics including drugs, toxins, and environmental chemicals. The Golgi associated membrane-bound sulfotransferases are involved in post-translational modification of macromolecules from glycosaminoglycans to proteins. The sulfation of small molecules can have profound biologic effects on the functionality of the acceptor, including activation, deactivation, or enhanced metabolism and elimination. Sulfation of macromolecules has been shown to regulate a number of physiologic and pathophysiological pathways by enhancing binding affinity to regulatory proteins or binding partners. Over the last 25 years, crystal structures of these enzymes have provided a wealth of information on the mechanisms of this process and the specificity of these enzymes. This review will focus on the general commonalities of the sulfotransferases, from enzyme structure to catalytic mechanism as well as providing examples into how structural information is being used to either design drugs that inhibit sulfotransferases or to modify the enzymes to improve drug synthesis. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This manuscript honors Dr. Masahiko Negishi's contribution to the understanding of sulfotransferase mechanism, specificity, and roles in biology by analyzing the crystal structures that have been solved over the last 25 years.

Protein Chemistry Combined with Mass Spectrometry for Protein Structure Determination

The advent of soft-ionization mass spectrometry for biomolecules has opened up new possibilities for the structural analysis of proteins. Combining protein chemistry methods with modern mass spectrometry has led to the emergence of the distinct field of structural proteomics. Multiple protein chemistry approaches, such as surface modification, limited proteolysis, hydrogen-deuterium exchange, and cross-linking, provide diverse and often orthogonal structural information on the protein systems studied. Combining experimental data from these various structural proteomics techniques provides a more comprehensive examination of the protein structure and increases confidence in the ultimate findings. Here, we review various types of experimental data from structural proteomics approaches with an emphasis on the use of multiple complementary mass spectrometric approaches to provide experimental constraints for the solving of protein structures.

Effects of Genetic Polymorphisms on the Sulfation of Doxorubicin by Human SULT1C4 Allozymes

Doxorubicin is a chemotherapeutic drug widely utilized in cancer treatment. An enzyme critical to doxorubicin metabolism is the cytosolic sulfotransferase (SULT) SULT1C4. This study investigated the functional impact of SULT1C4 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on the sulfation of doxorubicin by SULT1C4 allozymes. A comprehensive database search was performed to identify various SULT1C4 SNPs. Ten nonsynonymous SULT1C4 SNPs were selected, and the corresponding cDNAs, packaged in pGEX-2TK expression vector, were generated via site-directed mutagenesis. Respective SULT1C4 allozymes were bacterially expressed and purified by affinity chromatography. Purified SULT1C4 allozymes, in comparison with the wild-type enzyme, were analyzed for sulfating activities toward doxorubicin and 4-nitrophenol, a prototype substrate. Results obtained showed clearly differential doxorubicin-sulfating activity of SULT1C4 allozymes, implying differential metabolism of doxorubicin through sulfation in individuals with distinct SULT1C4 genotypes.

Sulfation of Quercitrin, Epicatechin and Rutin by Human Cytosolic Sulfotransferases (SULTs): Differential Effects of SULT Genetic Polymorphisms

Radix Bupleuri is one of the most widely used herbal medicines in China for the treatment of fever, pain, and/or chronic inflammation. Quercitrin, epicatechin, and rutin, the flavonoids present in Radix Bupleuri, have been reported to display anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antioxidant biological activities among others. Sulfation has been reported to play an important role in the metabolism of flavonoids. In this study, we aimed to systematically identify the human cytosolic sulfotransferase enzymes that are capable of catalyzing the sulfation of quercitrin, epicatechin, and rutin. Of the thirteen known human cytosolic sulfotransferases, three (cytosolic sulfotransferase 1A1, cytosolic sulfotransferase 1C2, and cytosolic sulfotransferase 1C4) displayed sulfating activity toward quercitrin, three (cytosolic sulfotransferase 1A1, cytosolic sulfotransferase 1A3, and cytosolic sulfotransferase 1C4) displayed sulfating activity toward epicatechin, and six (cytosolic sulfotransferase 1A1, cytosolic sulfotransferase 1A2, cytosolic sulfotransferase 1A3, cytosolic sulfotransferase 1B1, cytosolic sulfotransferase 1C4, and cytosolic sulfotransferase 1E1) displayed sulfating activity toward rutin. The kinetic parameters of the cytosolic sulfotransferases that showed the strongest sulfating activities were determined. To investigate the effects of genetic polymorphisms on the sulfation of quercitrin, epicatechin, and rutin, individual panels of cytosolic sulfotransferase allozymes previously prepared were analyzed and shown to display differential sulfating activities toward each of the three flavonoids. Taken together, these results provided a biochemical basis underlying the metabolism of quercitrin, epicatechin, and rutin through sulfation in humans.

Interaction of Native- and Oxidized-Low-Density Lipoprotein with Human Estrogen Sulfotransferase

Cytosolic estrogen sulfotransferase (SULT1E) mainly catalyzes the sulfate conjugation of estrogens, which decrease atherosclerosis progression. Recently we reported that a YKEG sequence in human SULT1E1 (hSULT1E1) corresponding to residues 61-64 can bind specifically to oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL), which plays a major role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis; its major oxidative lipid component lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), and its structurally similar lipid, platelet-activating factor (PAF). In this study, we investigated the effect of Ox-LDL on the sulfating activity of hSULT1E1. In vivo experiments using a mouse model of atherosclerosis showed that the protein expression of SULT1E1 was higher in the aorta of mice with atherosclerosis compared with that in control animals. Results from a sulfating activity assay of hSULT1E1 using 1-hydroxypyrene as the substrate demonstrated that Ox-LDL, LPC, and PAF markedly decreased the sulfating activity of hSULT1E1, whereas native LDL and 1-palmitoyl-2-(5'-oxo-valeroyl)-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POVPC) as one of the oxidized phosphatidylcholines showed the opposite effect. The sulfating activity greatly changed in the presence of LPC, PAF, and POVPC in their concentration-dependen manner (especially above their critical micelle concentrations). Moreover, Ox-LDL specifically recognized dimeric hSULT1E1. These results suggest that the effects of Ox-LDL and native LDL on the sulfating activity of hSULT1E1 might be helpful in elucidating the novel mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, involving the relationship between estrogen metabolism, LDL, and Ox-LDL.

Decreased phenol sulfotransferase activities associated with hyperserotonemia in autism spectrum disorders

Hyperserotonemia is the most replicated biochemical abnormality associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). However, previous studies of serotonin synthesis, catabolism, and transport have not elucidated the mechanisms underlying this hyperserotonemia. Here we investigated serotonin sulfation by phenol sulfotransferases (PST) in blood samples from 97 individuals with ASD and their first-degree relatives (138 parents and 56 siblings), compared with 106 controls. We report a deficient activity of both PST isoforms (M and P) in platelets from individuals with ASD (35% and 78% of patients, respectively), confirmed in autoptic tissues (9 pineal gland samples from individuals with ASD-an important source of serotonin). Platelet PST-M deficiency was strongly associated with hyperserotonemia in individuals with ASD. We then explore genetic or pharmacologic modulation of PST activities in mice: variations of PST activities were associated with marked variations of blood serotonin, demonstrating the influence of the sulfation pathway on serotonemia. We also conducted in 1645 individuals an extensive study of SULT1A genes, encoding PST and mapping at highly polymorphic 16p11.2 locus, which did not reveal an association between copy number or single nucleotide variations and PST activity, blood serotonin or the risk of ASD. In contrast, our broader assessment of sulfation metabolism in ASD showed impairments of other sulfation-related markers, including inorganic sulfate, heparan-sulfate, and heparin sulfate-sulfotransferase. Our study proposes for the first time a compelling mechanism for hyperserotonemia, in a context of global impairment of sulfation metabolism in ASD.

Combinatorial Biosynthesis of Sulfated Benzenediol Lactones with a Phenolic Sulfotransferase from Fusarium graminearum PH-1

Total biosynthesis or whole-cell biocatalytic production of sulfated small molecules relies on the discovery and implementation of appropriate sulfotransferase enzymes. Although fungi are prominent biocatalysts and have been used to sulfate drug-like phenolics, no gene encoding a sulfotransferase enzyme has been functionally characterized from these organisms. Here, we identify a phenolic sulfotransferase, FgSULT1, by genome mining from the plant-pathogenic fungus Fusarium graminearum PH-1. We expressed FgSULT1 in a Saccharomyces cerevisiae chassis to modify a broad range of benzenediol lactones and their nonmacrocyclic congeners, together with an anthraquinone, with the resulting unnatural natural product (uNP) sulfates displaying increased solubility. FgSULT1 shares low similarity with known animal and plant sulfotransferases. Instead, it forms a sulfotransferase family with putative bacterial and fungal enzymes for phase II detoxification of xenobiotics and allelochemicals. Among fungi, putative FgSULT1 homologues are encoded in the genomes of Fusarium spp. and a few other genera in nonsyntenic regions, some of which may be related to catabolic sulfur recycling. Computational structure modeling combined with site-directed mutagenesis revealed that FgSULT1 retains the key catalytic residues and the typical fold of characterized animal and plant sulfotransferases. Our work opens the way for the discovery of hitherto unknown fungal sulfotransferases and provides a synthetic biological and enzymatic platform that can be adapted to produce bioactive sulfates, together with sulfate ester standards and probes for masked mycotoxins, precarcinogenic toxins, and xenobiotics.IMPORTANCE Sulfation is an expedient strategy to increase the solubility, bioavailability, and bioactivity of nutraceuticals and clinically important drugs. However, chemical or biological synthesis of sulfoconjugates is challenging. Genome mining, heterologous expression, homology structural modeling, and site-directed mutagenesis identified FgSULT1 of Fusarium graminearum PH-1 as a cytosolic sulfotransferase with the typical fold and active site architecture of characterized animal and plant sulfotransferases, despite low sequence similarity. FgSULT1 homologues are sparse in fungi but form a distinct clade with bacterial sulfotransferases. This study extends the functionally characterized sulfotransferase superfamily to the kingdom Fungi and demonstrates total biosynthetic and biocatalytic synthetic biological platforms to produce unnatural natural product (uNP) sulfoconjugates. Such uNP sulfates may be utilized for drug discovery in human and veterinary medicine and crop protection. Our synthetic biological methods may also be adapted to generate masked mycotoxin standards for food safety and environmental monitoring applications and to expose precarcinogenic xenobiotics.

Functional Expression of All Human Sulfotransferases in Fission Yeast, Assay Development, and Structural Models for Isoforms SULT4A1 and SULT6B1

Cytosolic sulfotransferases (SULTs) catalyze phase II (conjugation) reactions of drugs and endogenous compounds. A complete set of recombinant fission yeast strains each expressing one of the 14 human SULTs was generated, including SULT4A1 and SULT6B1. Sulfation of test substrates by whole-cell biotransformation was successfully demonstrated for all enzymes for which substrates were previously known. The results proved that the intracellular production of the cofactor 3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphosulfate (PAPS) necessary for SULT activity in fission yeast is sufficiently high to support metabolite production. A modified variant of sulfotransferase assay was also developed that employs permeabilized fission yeast cells (enzyme bags). Using this approach, SULT4A1-dependent sulfation of 1-naphthol was observed. Additionally, a new and convenient SULT activity assay is presented. It is based on the sulfation of a proluciferin compound, which was catalyzed by SULT1E1, SULT2A1, SULT4A1, and SULT6B1. For the latter two enzymes this study represents the first demonstration of their enzymatic functionality. Furthermore, the first catalytically competent homology models for SULT4A1 and SULT6B1 in complex with PAPS are reported. Through mechanistic molecular modeling driven by substrate docking, we pinned down the increased activity levels of these two isoforms to optimized substrate binding.

Impact of Human SULT1E1 Polymorphisms on the Sulfation of 17β-Estradiol, 4-Hydroxytamoxifen, and Diethylstilbestrol by SULT1E1 Allozymes

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Previous studies have revealed that sulfation, as mediated by the estrogen-sulfating cytosolic sulfotransferase (SULT) SULT1E1, is involved in the metabolism of 17β-estradiol (E2), 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4OH-tamoxifen), and diethylstilbestrol in humans. It is an interesting question whether the genetic polymorphisms of SULT1E1, the gene that encodes the SULT1E1 enzyme, may impact on the metabolism of E2 and these two drug compounds through sulfation.

METHODS

In this study, five missense coding single nucleotide polymorphisms of the SULT1E1 gene were selected to investigate the sulfating activity of the coded SULT1E1 allozymes toward E2, 4OH-tamoxifen, and diethylstilbestrol. Corresponding cDNAs were generated by site-directed mutagenesis, and recombinant SULT1E1 allozymes were bacterially expressed, affinity-purified, and characterized using enzymatic assays.

RESULTS

Purified SULT1E1 allozymes were shown to display differential sulfating activities toward E2, 4OH-tamoxifen, and diethylstilbestrol. Kinetic analysis revealed further distinct K_m (reflecting substrate affinity) and V_max (reflecting catalytic activity) values of the five SULT1E1 allozymes with E2, 4OH-tamoxifen, and diethylstilbestrol as substrates.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, these findings highlighted the significant differences in E2-, as well as the drug-sulfating activities of SULT1E1 allozymes, which may have implications in the differential metabolism of E2, 4OH-tamoxifen, and diethylstilbestrol in individuals with different SULT1E1 genotypes.

Skeletal Dysplasias Caused by Sulfation Defects

Proteoglycans (PGs) are macromolecules present on the cell surface and in the extracellular matrix that confer specific mechanical, biochemical, and physical properties to tissues. Sulfate groups present on glycosaminoglycans, linear polysaccharide chains attached to PG core proteins, are fundamental for correct PG functions. Indeed, through the negative charge of sulfate groups, PGs interact with extracellular matrix molecules and bind growth factors regulating tissue structure and cell behavior. The maintenance of correct sulfate metabolism is important in tissue development and function, particularly in cartilage where PGs are fundamental and abundant components of the extracellular matrix. In chondrocytes, the main sulfate source is the extracellular space, then sulfate is taken up and activated in the cytosol to the universal sulfate donor to be used in sulfotransferase reactions. Alteration in each step of sulfate metabolism can affect macromolecular sulfation, leading to the onset of diseases that affect mainly cartilage and bone. This review presents a panoramic view of skeletal dysplasias caused by mutations in genes encoding for transporters or enzymes involved in macromolecular sulfation. Future research in this field will contribute to the understanding of the disease pathogenesis, allowing the development of targeted therapies aimed at alleviating, preventing, or modifying the disease progression.

Interaction of the Brain-Selective Sulfotransferase SULT4A1 with Other Cytosolic Sulfotransferases: Effects on Protein Expression and Function

Sulfotransferase (SULT) 4A1 is a brain-selective sulfotransferase-like protein that has recently been shown to be essential for normal neuronal development in mice. In the present study, SULT4A1 was found to colocalize with SULT1A1/3 in human brain neurons. Using immunoprecipitation, SULT4A1 was shown to interact with both SULT1A1 and SULT1A3 when expressed in human cells. Mutation of the conserved dimerization motif located in the C terminus of the sulfotransferases prevented this interaction. Both ectopically expressed and endogenous SULT4A1 decreased SULT1A1/3 protein levels in neuronal cells, and this was also prevented by mutation of the dimerization motif. During differentiation of neuronal SH-SY5Y cells, there was a loss in SULT1A1/3 protein but an increase in SULT4A1 protein. This resulted in an increase in the toxicity of dopamine, a substrate for SULT1A3. Inhibition of SULT4A1 using small interference RNA abrogated the loss in SULT1A1/3 and reversed dopamine toxicity. These results show a reciprocal relationship between SULT4A1 and the other sulfotransferases, suggesting that it may act as a chaperone to control the expression of SULT1A1/3 in neuronal cells. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The catalytically inactive sulfotransferase (SULT) 4A1 may regulate the function of other SULTs by interacting with them via a conserved dimerization motif. In neuron-like cells, SULT4A1 is able to modulate dopamine toxicity by interacting with SULT1A3, potentially decreasing the metabolism of dopamine.

Impact of SULT1A3/SULT1A4 genetic polymorphisms on the sulfation of phenylephrine and salbutamol by human SULT1A3 allozymes

OBJECTIVES

Phenylephrine and salbutamol are drugs that are used widely to treat diseases/disorders, such as nasal congestion, hypotension, and asthma, in individuals of different age groups. Human cytosolic sulfotransferase (SULT) SULT1A3 has been shown to be critically involved in the metabolism of these therapeutic agents. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms of human SULT1A3 and SULT1A4 genes on the sulfation of phenylephrine and salbutamol by SULT1A3 allozymes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Wild-type and SULT1A3 allozymes, prepared previously by site-directed mutagenesis in conjunction with bacterial expression and affinity purification, were analyzed for sulfating activity using an established assay procedure.

RESULTS

Purified SULT1A3 allozymes, in comparison with the wild-type enzyme, showed differential sulfating activities toward phenylephrine and salbutamol. Kinetic studies showed further significant variations in their substrate-binding affinity and catalytic activity toward phenylephrine and salbutamol.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained showed clearly the differential enzymatic characteristics of SULT1A3 allozymes in mediating the sulfation of phenylephrine and salbutamol. This information may contribute toward a better understanding of the pharmacokinetics of these two drugs in individuals with distinct SULT1A3 and/or SULT1A4 genotypes.

A prototype of the mammalian sulfotransferase 1 (SULT1) family in Xenopus laevis: molecular and enzymatic properties of XlSULT1B.S

The cytosolic sulfotransferase 1 (SULT1) proteins are a family of highly divergent proteins that show variable expansion in different species during vertebrate evolution. To clarify the evolutionary origin of the mammalian lineage of the SULT1 family, we compiled Xenopus laevis and X. tropicalis SULT1 (XSULT1) sequences from public databases. The XSULT1 family was found to comprise at least six subfamilies, which corresponded in part to five mammalian SULT1 subfamilies but only poorly to zebrafish SULT1 subfamilies. SULT1C was most highly expanded, and could be divided into at least five subfamilies. A cDNA for X. laevis SULT1B (XlSULT1B.S), a homolog of mammalian SULT1B1, was cloned and its recombinant protein was expressed in a bacterial system. XlSULT1B.S, unlike mammalian SULT1B1, was found to be a monomeric protein of ~34 kDa, and displayed sulfonating activity toward 2-naphthol and p-nitrophenol (pNP). However, we could not detect such sulfonating activity toward any endogenous compounds including thyroid hormones, steroid hormones and dopamine, despite the fact that X. laevis and Rana catesbeiana liver cytosols contained sulfonating activity toward most of these endogenous compounds. At optimum pH (6.4), the Michaelis-Menten constant (K_m) for pNP was two orders of magnitude greater in XlSULT1B.S (1.04 mM) than in the cytosol preparations (8-15 μM). Our results indicate that Xenopus possesses a prototype of the mammalian SULT1 family, and that XlSULT1B.S showed overall similarities in primary sequence to, and significant differences in molecular and enzymatic properties from, mammalian SULT1B1.

The UGTome: The expanding diversity of UDP glycosyltransferases and its impact on small molecule metabolism

The UDP glycosyltransferase (UGT) superfamily of enzymes is responsible for the metabolism and clearance of thousands of lipophilic chemicals including drugs, toxins and endogenous signaling molecules. They provide a protective interface between the organism and its chemical-rich environment, as well as controlling critical signaling pathways to maintain healthy tissue function. UGTs are associated with drug responses and interactions, as well as a wide range of diseases including cancer. The human genome contains 22 UGT genes; however as befitting their exceptionally diverse substrate ranges and biological activities, the output of these UGT genes is functionally diversified by multiple processes including alternative splicing, post-translational modification, homo- and hetero-oligomerization, and interactions with other proteins. All UGT genes are subject to extensive alternative splicing generating variant/truncated UGT proteins with altered functions including the capacity to dominantly modulate/inhibit cognate full-length forms. Heterotypic oligomerization of different UGTs can alter kinetic properties relative to monotypic complexes, and potentially produce novel substrate specificities. Moreover, the recently profiled interactions of UGTs with non-UGT proteins may facilitate coordination between different metabolic processes, as well as providing opportunities for UGTs to engage in novel 'moonlighting' functions. Herein we provide a detailed and comprehensive review of all known modes of UGT functional diversification and propose a UGTome model to describe the resulting expansion of metabolic capacity and its potential to modulate drug/xenobiotic responses and cell behaviours in normal and disease contexts.

Sulfation pathways from red to green

Sulfur is present in the amino acids cysteine and methionine and in a large range of essential coenzymes and cofactors and is therefore essential for all organisms. It is also a constituent of sulfate esters in proteins, carbohydrates, and numerous cellular metabolites. The sulfation and desulfation reactions modifying a variety of different substrates are commonly known as sulfation pathways. Although relatively little is known about the function of most sulfated metabolites, the synthesis of activated sulfate used in sulfation pathways is essential in both animal and plant kingdoms. In humans, mutations in the genes encoding the sulfation pathway enzymes underlie a number of developmental aberrations, and in flies and worms, their loss-of-function is fatal. In plants, a lower capacity for synthesizing activated sulfate for sulfation reactions results in dwarfism, and a complete loss of activated sulfate synthesis is also lethal. Here, we review the similarities and differences in sulfation pathways and associated processes in animals and plants, and we point out how they diverge from bacteria and yeast. We highlight the open questions concerning localization, regulation, and importance of sulfation pathways in both kingdoms and the ways in which findings from these "red" and "green" experimental systems may help reciprocally address questions specific to each of the systems.

Melting Down Protein Stability: PAPS Synthase 2 in Patients and in a Cellular Environment

Within the crowded and complex environment of the cell, a protein experiences stabilizing excluded-volume effects and destabilizing quinary interactions with other proteins. Which of these prevail, needs to be determined on a case-by-case basis. PAPS synthases are dimeric and bifunctional enzymes, providing activated sulfate in the form of 3′-phosphoadenosine-5′-phosphosulfate (PAPS) for sulfation reactions. The human PAPS synthases PAPSS1 and PAPSS2 differ significantly in their protein stability as PAPSS2 is a naturally fragile protein. PAPS synthases bind a series of nucleotide ligands and some of them markedly stabilize these proteins. PAPS synthases are of biomedical relevance as destabilizing point mutations give rise to several pathologies. Genetic defects in PAPSS2 have been linked to bone and cartilage malformations as well as a steroid sulfation defect. All this makes PAPS synthases ideal to study protein unfolding, ligand binding, and the stabilizing and destabilizing factors in their cellular environment. This review provides an overview on current concepts of protein folding and stability and links this with our current understanding of the different disease mechanisms of PAPSS2-related pathologies with perspectives for future research and application.

Effects of the human SULT1A1 polymorphisms on the sulfation of acetaminophen,O-desmethylnaproxen, and tapentadol

BACKGROUND

Non-opioid and opioid analgesics, as over-the-counter or prescribed medications, are widely used for the management of a diverse array of pathophysiological conditions. Previous studies have demonstrated the involvement of human cytosolic sulfotransferase (SULT) SULT1A1 in the sulfation of acetaminophen, O-desmethylnaproxen (O-DMN), and tapentadol. The current study was designed to investigate the impact of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the human SULT1A1 gene on the sulfation of these analgesic compounds by SULT1A1 allozymes.

METHODS

Human SULT1A1 genotypes were identified by database search. cDNAs corresponding to nine SULT1A1 nonsynonymous missense coding SNPs (cSNPs) were generated by site-directed mutagenesis. Recombinant wild-type and SULT1A1 allozymes were bacterially expressed and affinity-purified. Purified SULT1A1 allozymes were analyzed for sulfation activity using an established assay procedure.

RESULTS

Compared with the wild-type enzyme, SULT1A1 allozymes were shown to display differential sulfating activities toward three analgesic compounds, acetaminophen, O-desmethylnaproxen (O-DMN), and tapentadol, as well as the prototype substrate 4NP.

CONCLUSION

Results obtained indicated clearly the impact of genetic polymorphisms on the drug-sulfation activity of SULT1A1 allozymes. Such information may contribute to a better understanding about the differential metabolism of acetaminophen, O-DMN, and tapentadol in individuals with different SULT1A1 genotypes.

On the role of genetic polymorphisms in the sulfation of cholesterol by human cytosolic sulphotransferase SULT2B1b

Sulphated cholesterol, like its unsulphated counterpart, is known to be biologically active and serves a myriad of biochemical/physiological functions. Of the 13 human cytosolic sulphotransferases (SULTs), SULT2B1b has been reported as the main enzyme responsible for the sulphation of cholesterol. As such, SULT2B1b may play the role as a key regulator of cholesterol metabolism. Variations in the sulphating activity of SULT2B1b may affect the sulphation of cholesterol and, consequently, the related physiological events. This study was designed to evaluate the impact of the genetic polymorphisms on the sulphation of cholesterol by SULT2B1b. Ten recombinant SULT2B1b allozymes were generated, expressed, and purified. Purified SULT2B1b allozymes were shown to display differential cholesterol-sulphating activities, compared with the wild-type enzyme. Kinetic studies revealed further their distinct substrate affinity and catalytic efficiency toward cholesterol. These findings showed clearly the impact of genetic polymorphisms on the cholesterol-sulphating activity of SULT2B1b allozymes, which may underscore the differential metabolism of cholesterol in individuals with different SULT2B1b genotypes.

Effects of human SULT1A3/SULT1A4 genetic polymorphisms on the sulfation of acetaminophen and opioid drugs by the cytosolic sulfotransferase SULT1A3

Sulfoconjugation has been shown to be critically involved in the metabolism of acetaminophen (APAP), morphine, tapentadol and O-desmethyl tramadol (O-DMT). The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of human SULT1A3 and SULT1A4 genes on the sulfating activity of SULT1A3 allozymes toward these analgesic compounds. Twelve non-synonymous coding SNPs (cSNPs) of SULT1A3/SULT1A4 were investigated, and the corresponding cDNAs were generated by site-directed mutagenesis. SULT1A3 allozymes, bacterially expressed and purified, exhibited differential sulfating activity toward each of the four analgesic compounds tested as substrates. Kinetic analyses of SULT1A3 allozymes further revealed significant differences in binding affinity and catalytic activity toward the four analgesic compounds. Collectively, the results derived from the current study showed clearly the impact of cSNPs of the coding genes, SULT1A3 and SULT1A4, on the sulfating activity of the coded SULT1A3 allozymes toward the tested analgesic compounds. These findings may have implications in the pharmacokinetics as well as the toxicity profiles of these analgesics administered in individuals with distinct SULT1A3 and/or SULT1A4 genotypes.

Effects of genetic polymorphisms on the sulfation of dehydroepiandrosterone and pregnenolone by human cytosolic sulfotransferase SULT2A1

The cytosolic sulfotransferase (SULT) SULT2A1 is known to mediate the sulfation of DHEA as well as some other hydroxysteroids such as pregnenolone. The present study was designed to investigate how genetic polymorphisms of the human SULT2A1 gene may affect the sulfation of DHEA and pregnenolone. Online databases were systematically searched to identify human SULT2A1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Of the 98 SULT2A1 non-synonymous coding SNPs identified, seven were selected for further investigation. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to generate cDNAs encoding these seven SULT2A1 allozymes, which were expressed in BL21 Escherichia coli cells and purified by glutathione-Sepharose affinity chromatography. Enzymatic assays revealed that purified SULT2A1 allozymes displayed differential sulfating activity toward both DHEA and pregnenolone. Kinetic analyses showed further differential catalytic efficiency and substrate affinity of the SULT2A1 allozymes, in comparison with wild-type SULT2A1. These findings provided useful information concerning the effects of genetic polymorphisms on the sulfating activity of SULT2A1 allozymes.

Sulfation of catecholamines and serotonin by SULT1A3 allozymes

Previous studies have demonstrated the involvement of sulfoconjugation in the metabolism of catecholamines and serotonin. The current study aimed to clarify the effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of human SULT1A3 and SULT1A4 genes on the enzymatic characteristics of the sulfation of dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine and serotonin by SULT1A3 allozymes. Following a comprehensive search of different SULT1A3 and SULT1A4 genotypes, twelve non-synonymous (missense) coding SNPs (cSNPs) of SULT1A3/SULT1A4 were identified. cDNAs encoding the corresponding SULT1A3 allozymes, packaged in pGEX-2T vector were generated by site-directed mutagenesis. SULT1A3 allozymes were expressed, and purified. Purified SULT1A3 allozymes exhibited differential sulfating activity toward catecholamines and serotonin. Kinetic analyses demonstrated differences in both substrate affinity and catalytic efficiency of the SULT1A3 allozymes. Collectively, these findings provide useful information relevant to the differential metabolism of dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine and serotonin through sulfoconjugation in individuals having different SULT1A3/SULT1A4 genotypes.

Advances in the Understanding of Protein-Protein Interactions in Drug Metabolizing Enzymes through the Use of Biophysical Techniques

In recent years, a growing appreciation has developed for the importance of protein-protein interactions to modulate the function of drug metabolizing enzymes. Accompanied with this appreciation, new methods and technologies have been designed for analyzing protein-protein interactions both in vitro and in vivo. These technologies have been applied to several classes of drug metabolizing enzymes, including: cytochrome P450's (CYPs), monoamine oxidases (MAOs), UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs), glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), and sulfotransferases (SULTs). In this review, we offer a brief description and assessment of the impact of many of these technologies to the study of protein-protein interactions in drug disposition. The still expanding list of these techniques and assays has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of how these enzymes carry out their important functions in vivo.

Expression, purification and characterization of human cytosolic sulfotransferase (SULT) 1C4

Human cytosolic sulfotransferase 1C4 (hSULT1C4) is a dimeric Phase II drug-metabolizing enzyme primarily expressed in the developing fetus. SULTs facilitate the transfer of a hydrophilic sulfonate moiety from 3'-phosphoadenosine-5'-phosphosulfate (PAPS) onto an acceptor substrate altering the substrate's biological activity and increasing the compound's water solubility. While several of the hSULTs' endogenous and xenobiotic substrates have been identified, the physiological function of hSULT1C4 remains unknown. The fetal expression of hSULT1C4 leads to the hypothesis that the function of this enzyme may be to regulate metabolic and hormonal signaling molecules, such as estrogenic compounds, that may be generated or consumed by the mother during fetal development. Human SULT1C4 has previously been shown to sulfonate estrogenic compounds, such as catechol estrogens; therefore, this study focused on the expression and purification of hSULT1C4 in order to further characterize this enzyme's sulfonation of estrogenic compounds. Molecular modeling of the enzyme's native properties helped to establish a novel purification protocol for hSULT1C4. The optimal activity assay conditions for hSULT1C4 were determined to be pH 7.4 at 37°C for up to 10 min. Kinetic analysis revealed the enzyme's reduced affinity for PAPS compared to PAP. Human SULT1C4 sulfonated all the estrogenic compounds tested, including dietary flavonoids and environmental estrogens; however, the enzyme has a higher affinity for sulfonation of flavonoids. These results suggest hSULT1C4 could be metabolizing and regulating hormone signaling pathways during human fetal development.

The structure of the catechin-binding site of human sulfotransferase 1A1

We are just beginning to understand the allosteric regulation of the human cytosolic sulfotransferase (SULTs) family-13 disease-relevant enzymes that regulate the activities of hundreds, if not thousands, of signaling small molecules. SULT1A1, the predominant isoform in adult liver, harbors two noninteracting allosteric sites, each of which binds a different molecular family: the catechins (naturally occurring flavonols) and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Here, we present the structure of an SULT allosteric binding site-the catechin-binding site of SULT1A1 bound to epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). The allosteric pocket resides in a dynamic region of the protein that enables EGCG to control opening and closure of the enzyme's active-site cap. Furthermore, the structure offers a molecular explanation for the isozyme specificity of EGCG, which is corroborated experimentally. The binding-site structure was obtained without X-ray crystallography or multidimensional NMR. Instead, a SULT1A1 apoprotein structure was used to guide positioning of a small number of spin-labeled single-Cys mutants that coat the entire enzyme surface with a paramagnetic field of sufficient strength to determine its contribution to the bound ligand's transverse (T₂) relaxation from its 1D solution spectrum. EGCG protons were mapped to the protein surface by triangulation using the T₂ values to calculate their distances to a trio of spin-labeled Cys mutants. The final structure was obtained using distance-constrained molecular dynamics docking. This approach, which is readily extensible to other systems, is applicable over a wide range of ligand affinities, requires little protein, avoids the need for isotopically labeled protein, and has no protein molecular weight limitations.

An engineered heterodimeric model to investigate SULT1B1 dependence on intersubunit communication

Cytosolic sulfotransferases (SULTs) biotransform small molecules to polar sulfate esters as a means to alter their activities within the body. Understanding the molecular mechanism by which the SULTs perform their function is important for optimizing future therapeutic applications. Recent evidence suggests each SULT isoform acts by a half-site reaction (HSR) mechanism, in which a single SULT dimer subunit is active at any given time. HSR requires communication through the highly conserved KxxxTVxxxE dimerization motif. In this investigation, we sought to test the intersubunit interactions of SULT1B1 as it relates to enzyme activity. We generated two populations of SULT1B1 isoforms that efficiently heterodimerize upon mixing by targeted point mutation of the KxxxTVxxxE motif to KxxxTVxxxK or ExxxTVxxxE. The heterodimer exhibited wildtype-like activity with regard to native size, thermal integrity, PAP affinity, and PAPS Km, therefore serving as a valid model for investigating SULT1B1 dimer subunit interactions. The approach granted control over each independent subunit, permitting mutation of the critical 3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphosulfate (PAPS) binding residue Arg258 and/or the catalytic base His109 in a single subunit of the dimer. Substitution of the dysfunctional subunits for fully active subunits yielded dimeric SULT1B1 with 50% the activity of the fully competent dimer, suggesting SULT1B1 intersubunit communication does not significantly contribute to the isoform's activity. These results are a testament to the unique properties of individual SULT isoforms. The dimerization system described in this manuscript can be used to study subunit interactions in other SULT isoforms as well as proteins in other families.

Function and organization of the human cytosolic sulfotransferase (SULT) family

The sulfuryl transfer reaction is of fundamental biological importance. One of the most important manifestations of this process are the reactions catalyzed by members of the cytosolic sulfotransferase (SULT) superfamily. These enzymes transfer the sulfuryl moiety from the universal donor PAPS (3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphosulfate) to a wide variety of substrates with hydroxyl- or amino-groups. Normally a detoxification reaction this facilitates the elimination of a multitude of xenobiotics, although for some molecules sulfation is a bioactivation step. In addition, sulfation plays a key role in endocrine and other signalling pathways since many steroids, sterols, thyroid hormones and catecholamines exist primarily as sulfate conjugates in humans. This article summarizes much of our current knowledge of the organization and function of the human cytosolic sulfotransferases and highlights some of the important interspecies differences that have implications for, among other things, drug development and chemical safety analysis.

Understanding the fabric of protein crystals: computational classification of biological interfaces and crystal contacts

Modern structural biology still draws the vast majority of information from crystallography, a technique where the objects being investigated are embedded in a crystal lattice. Given the complexity and variety of those objects, it becomes fundamental to computationally assess which of the interfaces in the lattice are biologically relevant and which are simply crystal contacts. Since the mid-1990s, several approaches have been applied to obtain high-accuracy classification of crystal contacts and biological protein–protein interfaces. This review provides an overview of the concepts and main approaches to protein interface classification: thermodynamic estimation of interface stability, evolutionary approaches based on conservation of interface residues, and co-occurrence of the interface across different crystal forms. Among the three categories, evolutionary approaches offer the strongest promise for improvement, thanks to the incessant growth in sequence knowledge. Importantly, protein interface classification algorithms can also be used on multimeric structures obtained using other high-resolution techniques or for protein assembly design or validation purposes. A key issue linked to protein interface classification is the identification of the biological assembly of a crystal structure and the analysis of its symmetry. Here, we highlight the most important concepts and problems to be overcome in assembly prediction. Over the next few years, tools and concepts of interface classification will probably become more frequently used and integrated in several areas of structural biology and structural bioinformatics. Among the main challenges for the future are better addressing of weak interfaces and the application of interface classification concepts to prediction problems like protein–protein docking.

Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

Contact:guido.capitani@psi.ch

Lack of substrate inhibition in a monomeric form of human cytosolic SULT2A1

Mammalian cytosolic sulfotransferases (SULTs) frequently show substrate inhibition during the sulfation of increasing concentrations of substrates. SULT2A1, a major human liver isoform responsible for the conjugation of hydroxysteroids, bile acids and aliphatic hydroxyl groups in drugs and xenobiotics, is a homodimer and displays substrate inhibition during the conjugation of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Maltose binding protein (MBP)-SULT2A1 fusion protein, produced as an intermediate step in the purification of the SULT2A1 homodimer, elutes during size exclusion chromatography as a monomer. The initial-rate parameters (Km and Vmax) of the monomer (MBP-SULT2A1) and native SULT2A1 dimer for DHEA sulfation are extremely similar; however, the monomer is not inhibited by DHEA. Intrinsic fluorescence studies show that two DHEA molecules bind each SULT2A1 subunit, one in the catalytic site and one in an apparent allosteric site. Lack of dimerization in the MBP-SULT2A1 fusion protein decreased the Kd for binding of DHEA at the allosteric site. These results suggest that formation of the homodimer is associated with structural re-arrangements leading to increased DHEA binding at an allo-steric site that is associated with substrate inhibition.

Dimeric human sulfotransferase 1B1 displays cofactor-dependent subunit communication

The cytosolic sulfotransferases (SULTs) are dimeric enzymes that catalyze the transformation of hydrophobic drugs and hormones into hydrophilic sulfate esters thereby providing the body with an important pathway for regulating small molecule activity and excretion. While SULT dimerization is highly conserved, the necessity for the interaction has not been established. To perform its function, a SULT must efficiently bind the universal sulfate donor, 3'-phosphoadenosine-5'-phosphosulfate (PAPS), and release the byproduct, 3', 5'-diphosphoadenosine (PAP), following catalysis. We hypothesize this efficient binding and release of PAPS/PAP may be connected to SULT dimerization. To allow for the visualization of dynamic protein interactions critical for addressing this hypothesis and to generate kinetically testable hypotheses, molecular dynamic simulations (MDS) of hSULT1B1 were performed with PAPS and PAP bound to each dimer subunit in various combinations. The results suggest the dimer subunits may possess the capability of communicating with one another in a manner dependent on the presence of the cofactor. PAP or PAPS binding to a single side of the dimer results in decreased backbone flexibility of both the bound and unbound subunits, implying the dimer subunits may not act independently. Further, binding of PAP to one subunit of the dimer and PAPS to the other caused increased flexibility in the subunit bound to the inactive cofactor (PAP). These results suggest SULT dimerization may be important in maintaining cofactor binding/release properties of SULTs and provide hypothetical explanations for SULT half-site reactivity and substrate inhibition, which can be analyzed in vitro.

Characterization of bovine phenol sulfotransferases: evidence of a major role for SULT1B1 in the liver

1. Cattle are an important component of the human food chain. Drugs used either legally or illegally in cattle may therefore enter the food chain and it is thus important to understand pathways of drug metabolism in this species, including sulfation catalyzed by the sulfotransferases (SULTs). 2. In this study, we have analyzed the sulfation of 4-nitrophenol and other compounds in male and female bovine liver and characterized recombinant bovine SULT isoforms 1A1 and 1B1 expressed in Escherichia coli. 3. We found that, in contrast to most other mammalian species, the major phenol sulfotransferase SULT1A1 is not expressed in bovine liver. Rather SULT1B1 seems to be a major form in both male and female bovine liver. 4. We also identified kinetic differences between bovine and human SULT1A1 and, using the human SULT1A1 crystal structure, identified two amino acid positions in the active site of bovine SULT1A1 (Ile89Val and Phe247Val) that may be responsible for these differences.

Expression of the orphan cytosolic sulfotransferase SULT4A1 and its major splice variant in human tissues and cells: dimerization, degradation and polyubiquitination

The cytosolic sulfotransferase SULT4A1 is highly conserved between mammalian species but its function remains unknown. Polymorphisms in the SULT4A1 gene have been linked to susceptibility to schizophrenia. There are 2 major SULT4A1 transcripts in humans, one that encodes full length protein (wild-type) and one that encodes a truncated protein (variant). Here, we investigated the expression of SULT4A1 in human tissues by RT-PCR and found the wild-type mRNA to be expressed mainly in the brain, gastrointestinal tract and prostate while the splice variant was more widely expressed. In human cell-lines, the wild-type transcript was found in neuronal cells, but the variant transcript was expressed in nearly all other lines examined. Western blot analysis only identified SULT4A1 protein in cells that expressed the wild-type mRNA. No variant protein was detected in cells that expressed the variant mRNA. Ectopically expressed full length SULT4A1 protein was stable while the truncated protein was not, having a half-life of approximately 3 hr. SULT4A1 was also shown to homodimerize, consistent with other SULTs that contain the consensus dimerization motif. Mutation of the dimerization motif resulted in a monomeric form of SULT4A1 that was rapidly degraded by polyubiquitination on the lysine located within the dimerization motif. These results show that SULT4A1 is widely expressed in human tissues, but mostly as a splice variant that produces a rapidly degraded protein. Dimerization protects the protein from degradation. Since many other cytosolic sulfotransferases possess the conserved lysine within the dimerization motif, homodimerization may serve, in part, to stabilize these enzymes in vivo.

Cloning and Expression of a Novel Sulfotransferase with Unique Substrate Specificity fromBombyx mori

We identified a cDNA encoding a putative cytosolic sulfotransferase (SULT) by searching the expressed sequence tag database of Bombyx mori, and subsequently obtained the full-length cDNA for this gene via rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). We designated this gene bmST1, and showed by sequence analysis that it belongs to a novel SULT family. The tissue specificity of bmST1 mRNA expression was examined in fifth instar larvae by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and transcripts were detectable in the silk gland, gut, fat body, and Malpighian tube. A recombinant form of bmST1 was then expressed using a gluthathione S-transferase (GST) gene fusion system, and it was purified from Escherichia coli. Purified bmST1 did not exhibit sulfating activity toward SULT substrates such as 4-nitrophenol, vanillin, hydroxysteroids, or monoamines. Surprisingly, however, recombinant bmST1 showed considerable activity toward 4-nitrocatechol and also gallate esters, although the catechins are not sulfated by this enzyme.

Expression of the orphan cytosolic sulfotransferase SULT1C3 in human intestine: characterization of the transcript variant and implications for function

The cystolic sulfotransferse 1C3 (SULT1C3) gene was identified by computational analysis of the human genome and suggested to contain duplications of its last two exons (7a/b and 8a/b). Although the SULT1C3 isoform containing the more downstream exons 7b and 8b (SULT1C3d) has been expressed in Escherichia coli, crystallized, and characterized for activity, there is currently no evidence that SULT1C3 is expressed in any human tissue. Using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, we detected SULT1C3 mRNA in the colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line (LS180), colon, and small intestine, but the amplified fragment contained the more upstream exons 7a and 8a. 3'-Rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) confirmed that the SULT1C3 transcript expressed in LS180 cells contained exons 7a/8a, whereas 5'-RACE identified a noncoding exon 1. Full-length SULT1C3 transcript containing exons 7a/8a was amplified from LS180 and intestinal RNA, and in vitro transcription-translation of the cloned cDNA indicated that translation primarily began at the first of three in-frame ATG codons. Since SULT1C3 containing exons 7a/8a (SULT1C3a) would differ by 30 amino acids from SULT1C3d containing exons 7b/8b, we considered the functional implications of expressing one or the other isoform by generating structural models based on the reported crystal structure for SULT1C3d. Comparison of the structures indicated that five of the residues forming the substrate-binding pocket differed between the two isoforms, resulting in a change in both electron density and charge distribution along the inner wall of the substrate-binding pocket. These data indicate that SULT1C3 is expressed in human intestine but suggest that the expressed isoform is likely to differ functionally from the isoform that has been previously characterized.

Mimicking of estradiol binding by flame retardants and their metabolites: a crystallographic analysis

BACKGROUND

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs), used in many types of consumer goods, are being studied because of concerns about possible health effects related to endocrine disruption, immunotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, and neurotoxicity. Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), the most widely used BFR, and human metabolites of certain congeners of polybrominated diphenyl ether (e.g., 3-OH-BDE-47) have been suggested to inhibit estrogen sulfotransferase, potentially affecting estrogen metabolism.

OBJECTIVES

Our primary goal was to understand the structural mechanism for inhibition of the hormone-metabolizing enzyme estrogen sulfotransferase by certain BFRs. We also sought to understand various factors that facilitate the binding of flame retardants in the enzyme binding pocket.

METHODS

We used X-ray crystallography to obtain atomic detail of the binding modes of TBBPA and 3-OH-BDE-47 to estrogen sulfotransferase for comparison with binding of the endogenous substrate estradiol.

RESULTS

The crystal structures reveal how BFRs mimic estradiol binding as well as the various interactions between the compounds and protein residues that facilitate its binding. In addition, the structures provide insights into the ability of the sulfotransferase substrate binding pocket to accommodate a range of halogenated compounds that satisfy minimal structural criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show how BFRs or their metabolites can bind to and inhibit a key hormone-metabolizing enzyme, potentially causing endocrine disruption.

Structure, dynamics and selectivity in the sulfotransferase family

Combined structure, function and molecular dynamics studies of human cytosolic sulfotransferases (SULT1A1 and 2A1) have revealed that these enzymes contain a ≈ 30-residue active-site cap whose structure responds to substrates and mediates their interactions. The binding of 3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphosulfate (PAPS) gates access to the active site by a remodeling of the cap that constricts the pore through which acceptors must pass to enter the active site. While the PAPS-bound enzyme spends the majority (≈ 95%) of its time in the constricted state, the pore isomerizes between the open and closed states when the nucleotide (PAPS) is bound. The dimensions of the open and closed pores place widely different steric constraints on substrate selectivity. Nature appears to have crafted these enzymes with two specificity settings - a closed-pore setting that admits a set of closely related structures, and an open setting that allows a far wider spectrum of acceptor geometries. The specificities of these settings seem well matched to the metabolic demands for homeostatic and defensive SULT functions. The departure of nucleotide requires that the cap open. This isomerization dependent release can explain both the product bursts and substrate inhibition seen in many SULTs. Here, the experimental underpinnings of the cap-mechanism are reviewed, and the advantages of such a mechanism are considered in the context of the cellular and metabolic environment in which these enzymes operate.

Modification of the catalytic function of human hydroxysteroid sulfotransferase hSULT2A1 by formation of disulfide bonds

The human cytosolic sulfotransferase hSULT2A1 catalyzes the sulfation of a broad range of xenobiotics, as well as endogenous hydroxysteroids and bile acids. Reversible modulation of the catalytic activity of this enzyme could play important roles in its physiologic functions. Whereas other mammalian sulfotransferases are known to be reversibly altered by changes in their redox environment, this has not been previously shown for hSULT2A1. We have examined the hypothesis that the formation of disulfide bonds in hSULT2A1 can reversibly regulate the catalytic function of the enzyme. Three thiol oxidants were used as model compounds to investigate their effects on homogeneous preparations of hSULT2A1: glutathione disulfide, 5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid), and 1,1'-azobis(N,N-dimethylformamide) (diamide). Examination of the effects of disulfide bond formation with these agents indicated that the activity of the enzyme is reversibly altered. Studies on the kinetics of the hSULT2A1-catalyzed sulfation of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) showed the effects of disulfide bond formation on the substrate inhibition characteristics of the enzyme. The effects of these agents on the binding of substrates and products, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry identification of the disulfides formed, and structural modeling of the modified enzyme were examined. Our results indicate that conformational changes at cysteines near the nucleotide binding site affect the binding of both the nucleotide and DHEA to the enzyme, with the specific effects dependent on the structure of the resulting disulfide. Thus, the formation of disulfide bonds in hSULT2A1 is a potentially important reversible mechanism for alterations in the rates of sulfation of both endogenous and xenobiotic substrates.

The gate that governs sulfotransferase selectivity

Human cytosolic sulfotransferases (SULTs) transfer the sulfuryl moiety (-SO(3)) from activated sulfate [3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphosulfate (PAPS)] to the hydroxyls and primary amines of numerous metabolites, drugs, and xenobiotics. Receipt of the sulfuryl group often radically alters acceptor-target interactions. How these enzymes select particular substrates from the hundreds of candidates in a complex cytosol remains an important question. Recent work reveals PAPS binding causes SULT2A1 to undergo an isomerization that controls selectivity by constricting the opening through which acceptors must pass to enter the active site. The enzyme maintains an affinity for large substrates by isomerizing between the open and closed states with nucleotide bound. Here, the molecular basis of the nucleotide-induced closure is explored in equilibrium and nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations. The simulations predict that the active-site "cap," which covers both the nucleotide and acceptor binding sites, opens and closes in response to nucleotide. The cap subdivides into nucleotide and acceptor halves whose motions, while coupled, exhibit an independence that can explain the isomerization. In silico weakening of electrostatic interactions between the cap and base of the active site causes the acceptor half of the cap to open and close while the nucleotide lid remains shut. Simulations predict that SULT1A1, the most abundant SULT in human liver, will utilize a similar selection mechanism. This prediction is tested using fulvestrant, an anti-estrogen too large to pass through the closed pore, and estradiol, which is not restricted by closure. Equilibrium and pre-steady-state binding studies confirm that SULT1A1 undergoes a nucleotide-induced isomerzation that controls substrate selection.

Structural and energetic effects in the molecular recognition of acetylated amino acids by 18-crown-6

Absolute 18-crown-6 (18C6) binding affinities of four protonated acetylated amino acids (AcAAs) are determined using guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometry techniques. The AcAAs examined in this work include: N-terminal acetylated lysine (N(α)-AcLys), histidine (N(α)-AcHis), and arginine (N(α)-AcArg) as well as side chain acetylated lysine (N(ε)-AcLys). The kinetic-energy-dependent cross sections for collision-induced dissociation (CID) of the (AcAA)H(+)(18C6) complexes are analyzed using an empirical threshold law to extract absolute 0 and 298 K (AcAA)H(+)-18C6 bond dissociation energies (BDEs) after accounting for the effects of multiple collisions, kinetic and internal energy distributions of the reactants, and unimolecular dissociation lifetimes. Theoretical electronic structure calculations are performed to determine stable geometries and energetics for neutral and protonated 18C6 and the AcAAs as well as the proton bound complexes of these species, (AcAA)H(+)(18C6), at the B3LYP/6-311+G(2d,2p)//B3LYP/6-31 G* and M06/6-311+G(2d,2p)//B3LYP/6-31G* levels of theory. For all four (AcAA)H(+)(18C6) complexes, loss of neutral 18C6 corresponds to the most favorable dissociation pathway. At elevated energies, products arising from sequential dissociation of the primary CID product, H(+)(AcAA), are also observed. Protonated N(α)-AcLys exhibits a greater 18C6 binding affinity than other protonated N(α)-AcAAs, suggesting that the side chains of Lys residues are the preferred binding sites for 18C6 complexation to peptides and proteins. N(α)-AcLys exhibits a greater 18C6 binding affinity than N(ε)-AcLys, suggesting that binding of 18C6 to the side chain of Lys residues is more favorable than to the N-terminal amino group of Lys.