MESH1 functions as a metazoan PAPS phosphatase to regulate sulfation.
MESH1 acts as a PAPS phosphatase, hydrolyzing PAPS into adenosine-5'-phosphosulfate and phosphate, thereby regulating sulfation in metazoans.
- Why it matters: Understanding PAPS degradation is crucial because sulfation processes are vital for cellular functions and tissue health, yet the enzyme responsible was unknown.
- What they did: The study employed biochemical, structural, and functional analyses, including crystallography and genetic knockdowns, to identify MESH1 as the PAPS phosphatase across multiple models.
- The result: MESH1's activity influences sulfation levels, with knockdown increasing sulfated glycosaminoglycans and knockout improving cartilage and bone health, suggesting therapeutic potential for sulfation-related disorders.