Cholesterol and oxysterol sulfates: Physiological roles and analytical
challenges
Abstract
Cholesterol (Chol) and oxysterol sulfates are important regulators of
lipid metabolism, inflammation, cell apoptosis, and cell survival. Among
the sulfate-based lipids, cholesterol sulfate (CS) is the most studied
lipid both quantitatively and functionally. Despite the importance, very
few studies have analysed and linked the actions of oxysterol sulfates
to their physiological roles. Over expression of sulfotransferases
confirmed the formation of a range of oxysterol sulfates and their
antagonistic effects on liver X receptors (LXRs). It is therefore
important to understand how further changes to oxysterol/oxysterol
sulfate homeostasis can contribute to LXR activity in the physiological
milieu. Here, we aim to bring together evidences for novel roles of
oxysterol sulfates, the available techniques and the challenges for
analysing them. Understanding the oxysterol/oxysterol sulfate levels and
their physiological mechanisms could lead to new therapeutic targets for
metabolic diseases.