Dear Colleagues,

Identification of the roles of sulfatases, sulfotransferase enzymes, and sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in signaling, transcription, and cell differentiation has focused on the mechanisms of action in well-defined biological systems. Together, sulfatases, sulfotransferases, and sulfated GAGs confer remarkable specificity in the regulation of vital processes in plants, microbiota, and macrobiota. By post-translational modifications of carbohydrates, including glycosaminoglycans, lipids, proteins, and steroids, sulfation influences interactions within and between cells and in response to the extracellular environment. Thus, changes in sulfation impact subsequent phosphorylations and other post-translational events. The specific, chemically precise recognition signals attributable to localized sulfates can influence vital cell processes in immunity and host cell responses to infection, as well as in activation/inactivation of steroid hormones, coagulation, drug metabolism, and cell signaling. The complex biochemistry required for the removal or addition of sulfate residues reflects the importance of molecular recognition and the potential harm of molecular mimicry, such as by the food additive carrageenan, to disrupt homeostatic mechanisms. The articles in this issue on this topic will reveal the range of effects of sulfation, outline what is known about the underlying molecular and biochemical pathways, and suggest avenues for future investigations.

Dr. Joanne Tobacman

Guest Editor

Dr. Joanne Tobacman
Guest Editor

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• Sulfatase
• Sulfotransferase
• Heparin
• Chondroitin Sulfate
• Sulfated Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs)
• Sulfation