What is SUOX Protein
Sulfite oxidase, or SUOX for short, is a crucial enzyme responsible for the metabolism of sulfur-containing amino acids in the human body. The official full name of this protein is sulfite oxidase, and it is also known by the synonyms SUOX, Suo, and SOR. Belonging to the molybdopterin-containing enzyme family, SUOX plays a pivotal role in cellular processes, making it a subject of intense research in recent years.
SUOX Protein Structural Characteristics and Classification
SUOX exhibits a unique structural framework, characterized by its molybdopterin cofactor, which is central to its catalytic activity. The enzyme belongs to the larger family of molybdopterin-containing enzymes, which are instrumental in various redox reactions in living organisms. Recent advancements in structural biology techniques, such as X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy, have provided profound insights into the three-dimensional arrangement of SUOX, enhancing our understanding of its functional significance.
SUOX Biological Functions and Molecular Mechanisms
The primary function of SUOX is to catalyze the oxidation of sulfite ions to sulfate, a crucial step in the sulfur amino acid metabolism pathway. This enzymatic process is vital for maintaining proper sulfur balance in the body and preventing the accumulation of toxic sulfite ions. At the molecular level, SUOX achieves this through the transfer of electrons from sulfite to molecular oxygen, ultimately leading to the formation of sulfate.

Figure 1. Mechanistic complexities of sulfite oxidase. (Enemark J H, et al., 2023)
SUOX Related Signaling Pathway
The activity of SUOX is intricately linked to cellular signaling pathways. One notable pathway is the redox signaling cascade, where SUOX participates in regulating the balance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and maintaining cellular redox homeostasis. Disruptions in this signaling pathway can contribute to oxidative stress and cellular damage, underscoring the broader implications of SUOX in cellular physiology beyond its primary enzymatic function.
SUOX Related Diseases
The malfunction or deficiency of SUOX can lead to severe health consequences. Hereditary SUOX deficiency is a rare genetic disorder that impairs the normal function of the enzyme, resulting in the accumulation of sulfite in tissues and organs. This condition, known as isolated sulfite oxidase deficiency (ISOD), manifests in neurological symptoms, developmental delays, and seizures. Understanding the genetic basis of SUOX-related diseases is crucial for developing targeted therapeutic interventions.
SUOX's Applications in Biomedicine
The unique properties of SUOX have paved the way for its applications in various biomedical fields. In diagnostics, the detection of SUOX activity or its genetic variants can serve as biomarkers for certain metabolic disorders, providing clinicians with valuable information for early diagnosis and intervention. Moreover, ongoing research explores the potential of SUOX in vaccine development, leveraging its role in immune modulation.
In therapeutics, targeted strategies are being devised to address SUOX deficiencies. Enzyme replacement therapies and gene therapies are emerging as potential avenues to restore SUOX function in individuals with genetic disorders. The advancement of personalized medicine holds promise for tailoring interventions based on the specific genetic makeup of patients with SUOX-related diseases.
Recommended Products
Cat.# | Product name | Species | Source (Host) | Tag |
---|---|---|---|---|
SUOX-191H | Recombinant Human Sulfite oxidase Mo Centre Domain | Human | E.coli | N/A |
SUOX-193H | Recombinant Human SUOX, His-tagged | Human | E.coli | His |
SUOX-192H | Recombinant Human SUOX, MYC/DDK-tagged | Human | HEK293 | Myc/DDK |
SUOX-6203H | Recombinant Human SUOX Protein, Myc/DDK-tagged, C13 and N15-labeled | Human | HEK293T | Myc/DDK |
SUOX-1528H | Recombinant Human SUOX Protein (80-545 aa), His-tagged | Human | Yeast | His |
SUOX-3547H | Recombinant Human SUOX protein, His-SUMO-tagged | Human | E.coli | His-SUMO |
SUOX-3857HFL | Recombinant Full Length Human SUOX, Flag-tagged | Human | Mamanlian cells | Flag |
SUOX-16244M | Recombinant Mouse SUOX Protein | Mouse | Mammalian Cell | His |
Suox-6226M | Recombinant Mouse Suox Protein, Myc/DDK-tagged | Mouse | HEK293T | Myc/DDK |
SUOX-8876M | Recombinant Mouse SUOX Protein, His (Fc)-Avi-tagged | Mouse | HEK293 | His (Fc)-Avi |
Reference
- Enemark J H. Mechanistic complexities of sulfite oxidase: An enzyme with multiple domains, subunits, and cofactors. Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry. 2023, 247: 112312.