The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the sulfotransferase 2 family. It is predominantly expressed in the pituitary gland, and is localized to the golgi membrane. This protein catalyzes the transfer of sulfate to position 4 of non-reducing N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) residues in both N-glycans and O-glycans. It is responsible for sulfation of GalNAc on luteinizing hormone (LH), which is required for production of the sex hormones. Mice lacking this enzyme, exhibit increased levels of circulating LH, and precocious sexual maturation of both male and female mice. Alternatively spliced transcript variants have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Aug 2011],caution:PubMed:10988300 reports the possible existence of a secreted isoform starting at Met-119. However, they do not provide any experimental evidence.,function:Catalyzes the transfer of sulfate to position 4 of non-reducing N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) residues in both N-glycans and O-glycans. Required for biosynthesis of glycoprotein hormones lutropin and thyrotropin, by mediating sulfation of their carbohydrate structures. Only active against terminal GalNAcbeta1,GalNAcbeta. Not active toward chondroitin.,induction:Down-regulated (17-fold) in prion-infected cells.,similarity:Belongs to the sulfotransferase 2 family.,tissue specificity:Predominantly expressed in pituitary gland. In brain, it is expressed in pituitary gland, cerebellum, medulla oblongata, pons, thalamus and spinal cord. Expressed at lower level in lung, spleen, adrenal gland, placenta, prostate, testis, mammary gland and trachea.,
