Elucidating the multifaceted role and therapeutic potential of Sulf-2 in human tumor biology

Biomark Med. 2025 Jul;19(13):561-570. doi: 10.1080/17520363.2025.2521254. Epub 2025 Jun 22.

Abstract

Sulf-2, a key member of the sulfatase family, regulated tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis through various mechanisms including genetic alterations, epigenetic modifications, transcriptional regulation, and microenvironmental influences. The dysregulation of Sulf-2 has been implicated as a pivotal driver in the development of numerous tumors. The lack of a comprehensive understanding of Sulf-2 enzymatic activities has limited the advancement of research progress, largely due to the intricate modulation of heparan sulfate (HS) biology by this enzyme. In this review, we will comprehensively discuss the structure, function, and regulatory mechanisms of Sulf-2, elucidated the mechanisms of Sulf-2 in different human-type tumors. Furthermore, we would summarize the potential applications and limitations of Sulf-2 as a target in combining therapies for human tumors, providing insights that could be instrumental in advancing targeted cancer treatments. Our comprehensive review will shed light on the multifaceted role and therapeutic potential of Sulf-2 in human tumor biology.

Keywords: Sulf-2; enzymatic activities; heparan sulfate (HS); human tumor; multifaceted roles; therapeutic target.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Sulfatases
  • Sulfotransferases* / chemistry
  • Sulfotransferases* / genetics
  • Sulfotransferases* / metabolism

Substances

  • Sulfotransferases
  • SULF2 protein, human
  • Sulfatases