Arylsulfatase F (ARSF)

ARSF is a member of the sulfatase family, and more specifically, the arylsulfatase subfamily. Members of the subfamily share similarity in sequence and splice sites, and are clustered together on chromosome X, suggesting that they are derived from recent gene duplication events. Sulfatases are essential for the correct composition of bone and cartilage matrix. The activity of this protein, unlike that of arylsulfatase E, is not inhibited by warfarin.

The ARSF cDNA encodes a 591-amino acid polypeptide. The gene is encoded by 2 alternative first exons (1A and 1B) followed by 9 additional exons. Expression of the cDNA showed that the ARSF gene product is an active arylsulfatase whose activity, unlike that of the ARSE gene product, is not inhibited by warfarin. Northern blot analysis and RT-PCR failed to detect ARSF expression.