DHEA
DHEA, encoded by SULT2A1 and also known as sulfotransferase family 2A member 1, DHEA-ST or STD, is a cytosolic sulfotransferase. It uses PAPS as sulfonate donor to sulfate steroids, bile acids and xenobiotics in the liver and adrenal glands. Browse Assay Genie's current range of DHEA research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
DHEA (sulfotransferase 2A1, encoded by SULT2A1) is a sulfotransferase that uses 3'-phospho-5'-adenylyl sulfate (PAPS) as the sulfonate donor to catalyse the sulfonation of steroids and bile acids in the liver and adrenal glands. It sulfates a wide range of steroids and sterols, including pregnenolone, androsterone, DHEA, bile acids and cholesterol, as well as many xenobiotics that carry alcohol or phenol groups. Sulfonation generally increases water solubility and so promotes renal excretion, but it can also bioactivate compounds into active metabolites. The enzyme has a role in maintaining steroid and lipid homeostasis.
The enzyme plays a key part in bile acid metabolism, where it mediates formation of 3-sulfated bile acids. It also catalyses the metabolic activation of potent carcinogenic polycyclic arylmethanols. The DHEA protein is located in the cytoplasm, and the DHEA gene sits within the cytosolic sulfotransferase gene group. UniProt places it in the sulfotransferase 1 family. Mouse and rat each have an orthologue named Sult2a1.
The gene symbol SULT2A1 replaced an older name, sulfotransferase family, cytosolic, 2A, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-preferring, member 1, which explains the DHEA-ST and STD aliases and the display name used here. As a group, sulfotransferases aid the metabolism of drugs and endogenous compounds by converting them into hydrophilic sulfate conjugates that are readily excreted. NCBI Gene notes that this enzyme may have a role in the inherited adrenal androgen excess seen in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, which makes it relevant to endocrine as well as xenobiotic research.
DHEA sulfates pregnenolone, androsterone and DHEA itself, making it a central enzyme for studying steroid sulfonation in liver and adrenal tissue.
The enzyme forms 3-sulfated bile acids and plays a key role in bile acid metabolism and lipid homeostasis.
It sulfates many xenobiotics with alcohol or phenol groups, converting them to water-soluble conjugates for excretion or to bioactive metabolites.
NCBI Gene links the enzyme to possible roles in inherited adrenal androgen excess in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
DHEA is a sulfotransferase that transfers a sulfonate group from PAPS to steroids, sterols, bile acids and xenobiotics in the liver and adrenal glands. Sulfonation usually increases water solubility and renal excretion, though it can also produce active metabolites.
The official gene symbol is SULT2A1, and the protein is called sulfotransferase 2A1 or sulfotransferase family 2A member 1. Aliases include DHEA-ST and STD. The previous HGNC name described it as the dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-preferring member of cytosolic family 2A.
Yes. Mouse and rat each have an orthologue called Sult2a1. Reactivity differs between reagents, so check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity before choosing one for rodent work.
Other cytosolic sulfotransferases involved in steroid, drug and xenobiotic metabolism with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt Q06520; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.