Sulfation pathways in times of change

Abstract

Sulfation pathways are an essential part of overall sulfur metabolism. Sulfation pathways are mainly about sulfate activation, and the making and breaking of biological sulfate esters. This special issue features some extended reflection on what was presented at the SUPA 2023 meeting on Sulfation Pathways. Novel insights into the synthesis and analytics of sulfate, of sulfated conjugates, and of protein persulfides are presented. Oxysterol sulfates are presented as emerging sulfo-metabolites. Sulfation pathways enzymes are discussed in various disease settings. This special issue also presents insights into polysaccharide sulfotransferases and their functional characterization. Finally, cytoplasmic sulfotransferases are highlighted with regards to their impact on DNA-modification, and in the context of endocrine disruptors. All in all, thought-provoking findings, with the potential to guide and stimulate future research in the field of sulfation pathways and beyond.

Keywords: conjugate analytics; pathways analysis; sulfate activation.

Figure 1. Impressions from the last meeting on sulfation pathways.

SUPA 2023 took place in Birmingham, UK. In the aftermath to the conference, we offered campus tours, both at Aston University and at the University of Birmingham.