| Modification Notes |
Sulf-2 (sulfatase 2), also known as HSULF-2, is an extracellular endosulfatase belonging to the sulfatase family. Members of the sulfatase family each contain a conserved active site with a posttranslationally generated alpha-formylglycine that is essential for their catalytic activity. These enzymes are responsible for the hydrolysis of sulfate ester bonds. Sulf-1 (sulfatase 1) and Sulf-2 specifically interact with heparin sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) and hydrolyze the glucosamine-6-sulfate modifications, thus regulating the interactions of HSPGs with a variety of signaling molecules. As key components of cell surfaces and extracellular matrices, HSPGs modulate growth factor activities and thereby influence cell growth and differentiation. Additionally, HSPGs play a critical role in regulating tumor cell metastasis by mediating cell adhesion and the activities of growth and angiogenic factors. This suggests an important role for Sulf-1 and Sulf-2 in tumor progression. |