cDNA cloning, expression, and functional characterization of a zebrafish SULT1 cytosolic sulfotransferase

Using the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction technique, a full-length cDNA encoding a novel zebrafish sulfotransferase was cloned and sequenced. Sequence analysis indicated that this zebrafish sulfotransferase belongs to the SULT1 cytosolic sulfotransferase gene family. The recombinant form of the zebrafish sulfotransferase, purified from Escherichia coli cells, displayed sulfating activities toward a number of endogenous compounds, in particular dopamine and thyroid hormones, in addition to xenobiotics including some flavonoids, isoflavonoids, and other phenolic compounds. The zebrafish sulfotransferase exhibited substrate dependence in pH optimum. In comparison with those determined with dopamine as substrate, the zebrafish sulfotransferase displayed much lower Km and higher Vmax with n-propyl gallate as substrate. A thermostability experiment revealed the enzyme to be relatively stable over a temperature range between 20 and 43 °C. Among 10 divalent metal cations tested, Hg2+, Co2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, Cu2+, and Pb2+ exhibited dramatic inhibitory effects on the activity of the zebrafish sulfotransferase.