SUOX Human
Description
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
Sulfite oxidase (SOX) is a crucial enzyme in the oxidative degradation of sulfur-containing amino acids, such as cysteine and methionine. This enzyme catalyzes the oxidation of sulfite to sulfate, a vital reaction in sulfur metabolism. The human recombinant form of sulfite oxidase is produced using recombinant DNA technology, allowing for its study and application in various research and clinical settings.
Sulfite oxidase is a homodimeric protein localized to the intermembrane space of mitochondria. Each subunit of the enzyme contains two key domains:
Sulfite oxidase plays a critical role in the final step of the oxidative degradation of sulfur amino acids. The enzyme’s primary function is to catalyze the conversion of sulfite to sulfate, which is then excreted from the body. This reaction is vital for maintaining sulfur homeostasis and preventing the accumulation of toxic sulfite levels .
The catalytic mechanism of sulfite oxidase involves the transfer of electrons from sulfite to the molybdenum center in the molybdopterin-binding domain. The electrons are then transferred to the heme domain, where they are ultimately passed to cytochrome c, a component of the mitochondrial electron transport chain. This process results in the oxidation of sulfite to sulfate .
The activity of sulfite oxidase is regulated by the availability of its substrates and cofactors. The enzyme requires the molybdenum cofactor (Moco) for its catalytic activity. Deficiencies in Moco or mutations in the SUOX gene, which encodes sulfite oxidase, can lead to sulfite oxidase deficiency. This condition is characterized by severe neurological abnormalities and is often fatal at an early age .
Recombinant human sulfite oxidase is produced using E. coli expression systems and is purified using conventional chromatography techniques. This recombinant form is used in various research applications, including studies on sulfur metabolism, enzyme kinetics, and the development of therapeutic interventions for sulfite oxidase deficiency .
