bile-salt sulfotransferase activity

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Catalysis of the reaction: 3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphosulfate + taurolithocholate = adenosine 3',5'-bisphosphate + taurolithocholate sulfate. [EC:2.8.2.14, MetaCyc:BILE-SALT-SULFOTRANSFERASE-RXN]

Bile-salt sulfotransferase activity is a crucial enzyme activity involved in the detoxification and elimination of bile acids. This activity is catalyzed by specific enzymes known as sulfotransferases, which transfer a sulfate group from a donor molecule, 3'-phosphoadenosine-5'-phosphosulfate (PAPS), to the hydroxyl group of bile acids. This process results in the formation of sulfated bile acids, which are more hydrophilic and readily excreted in the urine and feces.

The sulfation of bile acids serves several important biological functions:

1. **Increased Water Solubility:** Sulfation increases the water solubility of bile acids, making them easier to excrete in urine and feces. This prevents the accumulation of toxic bile acids in the body.

2. **Reduced Toxicity:** Sulfation can reduce the toxicity of bile acids. For example, sulfation of lithocholic acid, a highly toxic bile acid, significantly reduces its toxicity.

3. **Regulation of Bile Acid Pool Size:** Sulfation plays a role in regulating the size of the bile acid pool, which is the total amount of bile acids circulating in the body. By increasing the excretion of bile acids, sulfation helps to maintain a healthy bile acid pool size.

4. **Influence on Gut Microbiota:** Sulfated bile acids have been shown to influence the composition and activity of the gut microbiota. This influence can impact digestion, immune function, and overall health.

5. **Potential Therapeutic Applications:** Bile-salt sulfotransferase activity is being investigated as a potential target for the treatment of various diseases, including cholestasis, inflammatory bowel disease, and cancer.

In summary, bile-salt sulfotransferase activity plays a vital role in the detoxification, excretion, and regulation of bile acids, contributing to overall health and well-being. '
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (3)