The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the sulfotransferase 2 family. It is localized to the golgi membrane, and catalyzes the transfer of sulfate to position 4 of non-reducing N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) residues in both N-glycans and O-glycans. Sulfate groups on carbohydrates confer highly specific functions to glycoproteins, glycolipids, and proteoglycans, and are critical for cell-cell interaction, signal transduction, and embryonic development. Alternatively spliced transcript variants have been described for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Aug 2011],caution:It is uncertain whether Met-1 or Met-8 is the initiator.,function:Catalyzes the transfer of sulfate to position 4 of non-reducing N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) residues in both N-glycans and O-glycans. Participates in biosynthesis of glycoprotein hormones lutropin and thyrotropin, by mediating sulfation of their carbohydrate structures. Has a higher activity toward carbonic anhydrase VI than toward lutropin. Only active against terminal GalNAcbeta1,GalNAcbeta. Isoform 2, but not isoform 1, is active toward chondroitin.,similarity:Belongs to the sulfotransferase 2 family.,tissue specificity:Highly expressed in trachea. Also expressed in fetal lung, adult pancreas, testis and salivary gland. Expressed at low level in pituitary gland, apex of the heart, adult lung, prostate and mammary gland. Weakly or not expressed in heart, liver and spinal cord.,
