This family includes a variety of sulfotransferase enzymes. Chondroitin 6-sulfotransferase catalyses the transfer of sulfate to position 6 of the N-acetylgalactosamine residue of chondroitin. This family also includes Heparan sulfate 2-O-sulfotransferase (HS2ST) and Heparan sulfate 6-sulfotransferase (HS6ST). Heparan sulfate (HS) is a co-receptor for a number of growth factors, morphogens, and adhesion proteins. HS biosynthetic modifications may determine the strength and outcome of HS-ligand interactions. Mice that lack HS2ST undergo developmental failure only after midgestation,the most dramatic effect being the complete failure of kidney development [1]. Heparan sulphate 6- O -sulfotransferase (HS6ST) catalyses the transfer of sulphate from adenosine 3'-phosphate, 5'-phosphosulphate to the 6th position of the N -sulphoglucosamine residue in heparan sulphate [2].

1: Increased responsiveness of hypoxic endothelial cells to FGF2 is mediated by HIF-1alpha-dependent regulation of enzymes involved in synthesis of heparan sulfate FGF2-binding sites. Li J, Shworak NW, Simons M; J Cell Sci 2002;115:1951-1959. PMID:11956326

2: Biosynthesis of heparan sulphate with diverse structures and functions: two alternatively spliced forms of human heparan sulphate 6-O-sulphotransferase-2 having different expression patterns and properties. Habuchi H, Miyake G, Nogami K, Kuroiwa A, Matsuda Y, Kusche-Gullberg M, Habuchi O, Tanaka M, Kimata K; Biochem J 2003;371:131-142. PMID:12492399