Details for: STS

Gene ID: 412

Gene Type:  Protein-coding  - A gene that serves as a template for producing a messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule, which is then translated into a functional protein.

Symbol: STS

Ensembl ID: ENSG00000101846

Description: steroid sulfatase

Selected Context(s):  Overall

Cell Significance Landscape

Contexts:

Associated with

Significant Cells

Cell Significance Index (CSI) scores for the chosen context(s)

  • GABAergic amacrine cell CL4030027
    CSI 7.35
    rCSI 25.18%
    PRS 77.73
  • VIP GABAergic cortical interneuron CL4023016
    CSI 7.17
    rCSI 8.56%
    PRS 77.25
  • placental villous trophoblast CL2000060
    CSI 6.52
    rCSI 10.08%
    PRS 88.49
  • neuroblast (sensu Nematoda and Protostomia) CL0000338
    CSI 5.95
    rCSI 6.87%
    PRS 83.06
  • diffuse bipolar 3b cell CL4033030
    CSI 5.15
    rCSI 34.18%
    PRS 84.61
  • sst GABAergic cortical interneuron CL4023017
    CSI 5
    rCSI 6.45%
    PRS 78.25
  • cardiac muscle cell CL0000746
    CSI 4.96
    rCSI 7.11%
    PRS 82.45
  • blood vessel endothelial cell CL0000071
    CSI 4.78
    rCSI 9.91%
    PRS 88.47
  • lamp5 GABAergic cortical interneuron CL4023011
    CSI 4.53
    rCSI 7.6%
    PRS 77.17
  • epithelial cell of proximal tubule CL0002306
    CSI 4.39
    rCSI 10.73%
    PRS 83.63
  • L4 intratelencephalic projecting glutamatergic neuron CL4030063
    CSI 4.07
    rCSI 9.74%
    PRS 79.83
  • rod bipolar cell CL0000751
    CSI 3.67
    rCSI 6.6%
    PRS 85.16
  • cerebral cortex neuron CL0010012
    CSI 3.32
    rCSI 13.52%
    PRS 83.04
  • cerebral cortex endothelial cell CL1001602
    CSI 3.25
    rCSI 5.61%
    PRS 84.77
  • neuron CL0000540
    CSI 3.24
    rCSI 8.63%
    PRS 78.25
  • Bergmann glial cell CL0000644
    CSI 3.18
    rCSI 4.35%
    PRS 82.73
  • glycinergic amacrine cell CL4030028
    CSI 3.14
    rCSI 8.17%
    PRS 84.44
  • H2 horizontal cell CL0004218
    CSI 3
    rCSI 14.92%
    PRS 84.89
  • retinal ganglion cell CL0000740
    CSI 2.75
    rCSI 6.07%
    PRS 79.64
  • ionocyte CL0005006
    CSI 2.66
    rCSI 2.85%
    PRS 91.48
  • parietal epithelial cell CL1000452
    CSI 2.55
    rCSI 6.8%
    PRS 84.83
  • adipocyte CL0000136
    CSI 2.54
    rCSI 3.26%
    PRS 82.04
  • lung ciliated cell CL1000271
    CSI 2.48
    rCSI 2.87%
    PRS 84.65
  • caudal ganglionic eminence derived cortical interneuron CL4023064
    CSI 2.48
    rCSI 4.38%
    PRS 76.61
  • amacrine cell CL0000561
    CSI 2.46
    rCSI 7.12%
    PRS 81.74
  • multi-ciliated epithelial cell CL0005012
    CSI 2.33
    rCSI 2.32%
    PRS 84.65
  • Mueller cell CL0000636
    CSI 2.31
    rCSI 5.27%
    PRS 83.65
  • BEST4+ enteroycte CL4030026
    CSI 2.23
    rCSI 2.77%
    PRS 90.05
  • ON parasol ganglion cell CL4033052
    CSI 2.16
    rCSI 30.6%
    PRS 82.82
  • kidney connecting tubule epithelial cell CL1000768
    CSI 2.13
    rCSI 5.4%
    PRS 83.92
  • sncg GABAergic cortical interneuron CL4023015
    CSI 2.11
    rCSI 3.39%
    PRS 78.16
  • ependymal cell CL0000065
    CSI 2.1
    rCSI 4.27%
    PRS 72.65
  • pvalb GABAergic cortical interneuron CL4023018
    CSI 2.1
    rCSI 2.61%
    PRS 75
  • ON midget ganglion cell CL4033046
    CSI 1.97
    rCSI 40.15%
    PRS 81.73
  • OFF midget ganglion cell CL4033047
    CSI 1.95
    rCSI 39.66%
    PRS 82.5
  • kidney loop of Henle thin descending limb epithelial cell CL1001111
    CSI 1.91
    rCSI 2.71%
    PRS 88
  • glutamatergic neuron CL0000679
    CSI 1.89
    rCSI 3.88%
    PRS 78.71
  • direct pathway medium spiny neuron CL4023026
    CSI 1.83
    rCSI 43.82%
    PRS 74.88
  • indirect pathway medium spiny neuron CL4023029
    CSI 1.82
    rCSI 43.91%
    PRS 75.03
  • H1 horizontal cell CL0004217
    CSI 1.81
    rCSI 7.17%
    PRS 84.2
  • GABAergic neuron CL0000617
    CSI 1.61
    rCSI 5.39%
    PRS 76.85
  • kidney loop of Henle thin ascending limb epithelial cell CL1001107
    CSI 1.48
    rCSI 3.81%
    PRS 87.31
  • diffuse bipolar 4 cell CL4033031
    CSI 1.4
    rCSI 16.04%
    PRS 78.06
  • diffuse bipolar 3a cell CL4033029
    CSI 1.33
    rCSI 9.04%
    PRS 82.57
  • syncytiotrophoblast cell CL0000525
    CSI 1.3
    rCSI 3.76%
    PRS 91.65
  • L2/3-6 intratelencephalic projecting glutamatergic neuron CL4023040
    CSI 1.26
    rCSI 3.06%
    PRS 74.99
  • L5/6 near-projecting glutamatergic neuron CL4030067
    CSI 1.21
    rCSI 3.99%
    PRS 78.75
  • near-projecting glutamatergic cortical neuron CL4023012
    CSI 1.07
    rCSI 4.06%
    PRS 77.38
  • L5 extratelencephalic projecting glutamatergic cortical neuron CL4023041
    CSI 0.98
    rCSI 3.54%
    PRS 75.12
  • L6b glutamatergic cortical neuron CL4023038
    CSI 0.87
    rCSI 2.73%
    PRS 78.54
  • diffuse bipolar 1 cell CL4033027
    CSI 0.85
    rCSI 6.37%
    PRS 80.07
  • chandelier pvalb GABAergic cortical interneuron CL4023036
    CSI 0.68
    rCSI 2.12%
    PRS 80.2
  • diffuse bipolar 2 cell CL4033028
    CSI 0.61
    rCSI 4.72%
    PRS 83.44
  • corticothalamic-projecting glutamatergic cortical neuron CL4023013
    CSI 0.45
    rCSI 2.67%
    PRS 77.65

Cell ID: Standard Cell Ontology term used for mapping and comparing cells across experiments. Ensures consistency in analyzing cellular functions across tissues.
Fold Change: Represents the ratio of the current Cell Significance Index to the Cell Significance Index Threshold, indicating how much the gene expression has changed compared to a baseline.
Cell Significance Index: Reflects how strongly a gene is expressed in this specific cell.

Cell ID: Standard Cell Ontology term used for mapping and comparing cells across experiments. Ensures consistency in analyzing cellular functions across tissues.
Fold Change: Represents the ratio of the current Cell Significance Index to the Cell Significance Index Threshold, indicating how much the gene expression has changed compared to a baseline.
Cell Significance Index: Reflects how strongly a gene is expressed in this cell type. Calculated using techniques like effect size estimation and bootstrapping for reliability.

Cell ID: Standard Cell Ontology term used for mapping and comparing cells across experiments. Ensures consistency in analyzing cellular functions across tissues.
Fold Change: Represents the ratio of the current Cell Significance Index to the Cell Significance Index Threshold, indicating how much the gene expression has changed compared to a baseline.
Cell Significance Index: Reflects how strongly a gene is expressed in this cell type. Calculated using techniques like effect size estimation and bootstrapping for reliability.
Network Configuration

Explore relationships of the current gene. Select an Interaction Source: 'ONTOLOGY' for shared pathways (GO/Reactome) or 'STRING' for protein-protein interactions. Further refine by selecting context genes and comparing Cell Significance Index (CSI) scores between baseline and target cell types and their specific contexts.

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Legend:
  • Query Gene
  • Node Color (Target Cell CSI, relative to current network):
    • Very High
    • High
    • Medium
    • Low
    • Very Low
    • CSI N/A
  • Node Size: Proportional to Target Cell CSI magnitude
  • STRING PPI Edge
  • Shared Pathway Edge (ONTOLOGY)

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Other Information

This section provides additional information about the gene, including a description generated by an AI language model and details about associated proteins.

## Summary [STS](/details-gene/412), or steroid sulfatase, is an X-linked protein-coding gene that encodes a crucial enzyme responsible for hydrolyzing sulfated steroid precursors into their active forms. Functionally, it exhibits [steryl-sulfatase activity](/details-go/GO:0004773) and is integral to the [metabolism of steroid hormones](/details-pathway/R-HSA-196071). Deficiencies in [STS](/details-gene/412) are causally linked to X-linked ichthyosis, a genetic skin disorder ([OMIM:308100](https://omim.org/entry/308100)). Expression data indicates that **Overall**, [STS](/details-gene/412) shows high significance not only in expected tissues like the placenta ([placental villous trophoblast](/details-cell/CL2000060)) but also exhibits a prominent role in a diverse range of neuronal subtypes, including [GABAergic amacrine cell](/details-cell/CL4030027)s and cortical interneurons, suggesting its importance in regulating local steroid milieus across multiple physiological systems. ## Cellular Roles and Expression Landscape The expression profile of [STS](/details-gene/412) highlights its multifaceted roles in steroid biology across distinct cellular contexts. **Overall**, the gene's significance is highest in specialized neuronal populations, particularly inhibitory interneurons such as [GABAergic amacrine cell](/details-cell/CL4030027) (CSI: 7.35) in the retina and various cortical interneurons like [VIP GABAergic cortical interneuron](/details-cell/CL4023016) (CSI: 7.17), [sst GABAergic cortical interneuron](/details-cell/CL4023017) (CSI: 5.00), and [lamp5 GABAergic cortical interneuron](/details-cell/CL4023011) (CSI: 4.53). This strong and specific expression pattern suggests a key role for [STS](/details-gene/412) in the local synthesis of neurosteroids, which are known modulators of neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission. Beyond the nervous system, [STS](/details-gene/412) is a defining marker for [placental villous trophoblast](/details-cell/CL2000060) (CSI: 6.52), consistent with its established role in estrogen biosynthesis during pregnancy. The enzyme's activity in the placenta is critical for converting DHEA-S from the fetal adrenal gland into estrogens necessary for maintaining pregnancy. Significant expression is also observed in other diverse cell types, including [cardiac muscle cell](/details-cell/CL0000746) (CSI: 4.96), [blood vessel endothelial cell](/details-cell/CL0000071) (CSI: 4.78), and [epithelial cell of proximal tubule](/details-cell/CL0002306) (CSI: 4.39). This broad but specific expression pattern implies that local, cell-type-specific regulation of steroid hormone availability by [STS](/details-gene/412) is a common biological mechanism with diverse physiological outcomes. ## Pathways and Molecular Function The molecular functions of [STS](/details-gene/412) are centered on its enzymatic role as a sulfuric ester hydrolase. Gene Ontology annotations confirm its [arylsulfatase activity](/details-go/GO:0004065) and, more specifically, [steryl-sulfatase activity](/details-go/GO:0004773), which is essential for the [steroid catabolic process](/details-go/GO:0006706). The enzyme is primarily localized to the [endoplasmic reticulum](/details-go/GO:0005783), where it acts on substrates like dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) and estrone sulfate (E1S). Reactome pathway analysis places [STS](/details-gene/412) within the broader context of [Metabolism of lipids](/details-pathway/R-HSA-556833) and specifically in the [Metabolism of steroid hormones](/details-pathway/R-HSA-196071). Its function is a key step in converting inactive, sulfated steroids into biologically active hormones that can then bind to nuclear receptors and modulate gene expression. This function is directly relevant to its role in [epidermis development](/details-go/GO:0008544), as the accumulation of cholesterol sulfate due to [STS](/details-gene/412) deficiency leads to the abnormal skin scaling seen in X-linked ichthyosis ([Link](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9252398/)). Furthermore, its involvement in [female pregnancy](/details-go/GO:0007565) is directly tied to its catalytic activity in the placenta, which is vital for maternal estrogen production. ## Research Directions The widespread yet cell-type-specific expression of [STS](/details-gene/412) raises important questions about its localized roles beyond its well-characterized functions in the placenta and skin. The prominent expression in diverse neuronal and cardiovascular cell types suggests unappreciated roles in neurophysiology and cardiac homeostasis. **Proposed Hypotheses:** 1. The high expression of [STS](/details-gene/412) in specific GABAergic interneuron subtypes ([GABAergic amacrine cell](/details-cell/CL4030027), [VIP GABAergic cortical interneuron](/details-cell/CL4023016)) suggests that it regulates local neurosteroid levels to fine-tune inhibitory synaptic transmission, thereby impacting neural circuit function and potentially behavior. 2. The significant expression in [cardiac muscle cell](/details-cell/CL0000746)s indicates that local steroidogenesis mediated by [STS](/details-gene/412) may play a direct role in modulating cardiomyocyte contractility, metabolism, or response to stress, representing a potential non-canonical mechanism of cardiac regulation. **Key Experimental Approach:** To test the hypothesis regarding the role of [STS](/details-gene/412) in regulating inhibitory neurotransmission, a cell-type-specific conditional knockout mouse model could be generated. By crossing a floxed-[STS](/details-gene/412) mouse with a Cre-driver line specific to cortical interneurons (e.g., VIP-Cre or Sst-Cre), the gene can be selectively ablated in these populations. Subsequent *ex vivo* electrophysiological recordings (whole-cell patch-clamp) from cortical slices could be used to measure GABAergic inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs). A significant alteration in IPSC frequency or amplitude in knockout animals compared to controls would provide direct evidence for [STS](/details-gene/412)-mediated modulation of synaptic function. **Therapeutic Potential:** [STS](/details-gene/412) presents a dual therapeutic profile. For loss-of-function diseases like X-linked ichthyosis, therapeutic strategies could involve enzyme replacement therapy or topical treatments that bypass the metabolic block. Conversely, because [STS](/details-gene/412) locally generates active estrogens from inactive sulfates, it is a well-established therapeutic target for inhibition in hormone-dependent diseases, particularly estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Several STS inhibitors have been developed and tested in clinical trials. However, the widespread expression of [STS](/details-gene/412) in critical tissues such as the brain and heart suggests that systemic inhibition could lead to significant off-target effects, highlighting the need for targeted drug delivery or the development of inhibitors with improved tissue selectivity.

Genular Protein ID: 3140493300

Symbol: STS_HUMAN

Name: Steryl-sulfatase

UniProtKB Accession Codes:

Database IDs:

Citations:

PubMed ID: 2668275

Title: Cloning and expression of human steroid-sulfatase. Membrane topology, glycosylation, and subcellular distribution in BHK-21 cells.

PubMed ID: 2668275

DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9258(18)80080-1

PubMed ID: 3032454

Title: Cloning and expression of steroid sulfatase cDNA and the frequent occurrence of deletions in STS deficiency: implications for X-Y interchange.

PubMed ID: 3032454

DOI: 10.1016/0092-8674(87)90447-8

PubMed ID: 14702039

Title: Complete sequencing and characterization of 21,243 full-length human cDNAs.

PubMed ID: 14702039

DOI: 10.1038/ng1285

PubMed ID: 15489334

Title: The status, quality, and expansion of the NIH full-length cDNA project: the Mammalian Gene Collection (MGC).

PubMed ID: 15489334

DOI: 10.1101/gr.2596504

PubMed ID: 3203382

Title: The human X-linked steroid sulfatase gene and a Y-encoded pseudogene: evidence for an inversion of the Y chromosome during primate evolution.

PubMed ID: 3203382

DOI: 10.1016/0092-8674(88)90257-7

PubMed ID: 2765556

Title: Characterization of rat and human steroid sulfatases.

PubMed ID: 2765556

DOI: 10.1016/0167-4838(89)90187-8

PubMed ID: 12657638

Title: Structure of human estrone sulfatase suggests functional roles of membrane association.

PubMed ID: 12657638

DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m211497200

PubMed ID: 1539590

Title: Identification of point mutations in the steroid sulfatase gene of three patients with X-linked ichthyosis.

PubMed ID: 1539590

PubMed ID: 9252398

Title: Characterization of point mutations in patients with X-linked ichthyosis. Effects on the structure and function of the steroid sulfatase protein.

PubMed ID: 9252398

DOI: 10.1074/jbc.272.33.20756

PubMed ID: 10679952

Title: PCR diagnosis of X-linked ichthyosis: identification of a novel mutation (E560P) of the steroid sulfatase gene.

PubMed ID: 10679952

DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1098-1004(200003)15:3<296::aid-humu17>3.0.co;2-#

PubMed ID: 10844566

Title: Novel point mutations in the steroid sulfatase gene in patients with X-linked ichthyosis: transfection analysis using the mutated genes.

PubMed ID: 10844566

DOI: 10.1046/j.1523-1747.2000.00004.x

PubMed ID: 23466819

Title: Functional characterization of seven single-nucleotide polymorphisms of the steroid sulfatase gene found in a Japanese population.

PubMed ID: 23466819

DOI: 10.1038/jhg.2013.12

Sequence Information:

  • Length: 583
  • Mass: 65492
  • Checksum: 74746AFA9D21A0A6
  • Sequence:
  • MPLRKMKIPF LLLFFLWEAE SHAASRPNII LVMADDLGIG DPGCYGNKTI RTPNIDRLAS 
    GGVKLTQHLA ASPLCTPSRA AFMTGRYPVR SGMASWSRTG VFLFTASSGG LPTDEITFAK 
    LLKDQGYSTA LIGKWHLGMS CHSKTDFCHH PLHHGFNYFY GISLTNLRDC KPGEGSVFTT 
    GFKRLVFLPL QIVGVTLLTL AALNCLGLLH VPLGVFFSLL FLAALILTLF LGFLHYFRPL 
    NCFMMRNYEI IQQPMSYDNL TQRLTVEAAQ FIQRNTETPF LLVLSYLHVH TALFSSKDFA 
    GKSQHGVYGD AVEEMDWSVG QILNLLDELR LANDTLIYFT SDQGAHVEEV SSKGEIHGGS 
    NGIYKGGKAN NWEGGIRVPG ILRWPRVIQA GQKIDEPTSN MDIFPTVAKL AGAPLPEDRI 
    IDGRDLMPLL EGKSQRSDHE FLFHYCNAYL NAVRWHPQNS TSIWKAFFFT PNFNPVGSNG 
    CFATHVCFCF GSYVTHHDPP LLFDISKDPR ERNPLTPASE PRFYEILKVM QEAADRHTQT 
    LPEVPDQFSW NNFLWKPWLQ LCCPSTGLSC QCDREKQDKR LSR

Genular Protein ID: 1705756864

Symbol: A6PYA4_HUMAN

Name: N/A

UniProtKB Accession Codes:

Database IDs:

Citations:

PubMed ID: 17601726

Title: The expression of the human steroid sulfatase-encoding gene is driven by alternative first exons.

PubMed ID: 17601726

DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2007.05.004

Sequence Information:

  • Length: 8
  • Mass: 974
  • Checksum: FE272729D7605336
  • Sequence:
  • MKIPFLLL

Genular Protein ID: 1091401694

Symbol: Q0W975_HUMAN

Name: N/A

UniProtKB Accession Codes:

Database IDs:

Citations:

PubMed ID: 16837617

Title: Tissue-specific transcriptional initiation and activity of steroid sulfatase complementing dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate uptake and intracrine steroid activations in human adipose tissue.

PubMed ID: 16837617

DOI: 10.1677/joe.1.06811

PubMed ID: 17601726

Title: The expression of the human steroid sulfatase-encoding gene is driven by alternative first exons.

PubMed ID: 17601726

DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2007.05.004

PubMed ID: 19429462

Title: Transcriptional control of human steroid sulfatase.

PubMed ID: 19429462

DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2009.02.017

Sequence Information:

  • Length: 20
  • Mass: 2390
  • Checksum: 1AEB7F5B9668580D
  • Sequence:
  • MAQDRLQLFI AKMKIPFLLL

Genular Protein ID: 1356757835

Symbol: A0A590UJL0_HUMAN

Name: N/A

UniProtKB Accession Codes:

Database IDs:

Citations:

PubMed ID: 11237011

Title: Initial sequencing and analysis of the human genome.

PubMed ID: 11237011

DOI: 10.1038/35057062

PubMed ID: 15496913

Title: Finishing the euchromatic sequence of the human genome.

PubMed ID: 15496913

DOI: 10.1038/nature03001

PubMed ID: 15772651

Title: The DNA sequence of the human X chromosome.

PubMed ID: 15772651

DOI: 10.1038/nature03440

Sequence Information:

  • Length: 578
  • Mass: 64866
  • Checksum: A07431F8A5E7C6CC
  • Sequence:
  • MKIPFLLLFF LWEAESHAAS RPNIILVMAD DLGIGDPGCY GNKTIRTPNI DRLASGGVKL 
    TQHLAASPLC TPSRAAFMTG RYPVRSGMAS WSRTGVFLFT ASSGGLPTDE ITFAKLLKDQ 
    GYSTALIGKW HLGMSCHSKT DFCHHPLHHG FNYFYGISLT NLRDCKPGEG SVFTTGFKRL 
    VFLPLQIVGV TLLTLAALNC LGLLHVPLGV FFSLLFLAAL ILTLFLGFLH YFRPLNCFMM 
    RNYEIIQQPM SYDNLTQRLT VEAAQFIQRN TETPFLLVLS YLHVHTALFS SKDFAGKSQH 
    GVYGDAVEEM DWSVGQILNL LDELRLANDT LIYFTSDQGA HVEEVSSKGE IHGGSNGIYK 
    GGKANNWEGG IRVPGILRWP RVIQAGQKID EPTSNMDIFP TVAKLAGAPL PEDRIIDGRD 
    LMPLLEGKSQ RSDHEFLFHY CNAYLNAVRW HPQNSTSIWK AFFFTPNFNP VGSNGCFATH 
    VCFCFGSYVT HHDPPLLFDI SKDPRERNPL TPASEPRFYE ILKVMQEAAD RHTQTLPEVP 
    DQFSWNNFLW KPWLQLCCPS TGLSCQCDRE KQDKRLSR