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[Biochemistry](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/) · Molecule

# Sulfatide

Sulfatide is a galactosylceramide with a sulfate group. It is part of myelin and builds up in metachromatic leukodystrophy.

Updated 2026-11-01

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## Key facts

- Galactosylceramide + sulfate at C3 of the galactose (donated by PAPS).
- Abundant in central and peripheral myelin, and in the kidney.
- Arylsulfatase A (ARSA gene), with saposin B, removes the sulfate in the lysosome.
- It stains a colour different from the dye (metachromasia) with toluidine blue or cresyl violet, hence the disease's name.

**Also called**
Sulfogalactosylceramide, 3-O-sulfogalactosylceramide

**Formula**
C₄₈H₉₃NO₁₂S

## Structure

- The 3D model (PDB SFT) is a sulfogalactosylceramide with a 24-carbon chain.
- The sulfate gives the head a strong negative charge.

## Clinical notes

- In metachromatic leukodystrophy, sulfatides accumulate in oligodendrocytes, Schwann cells, kidney and gallbladder, and appear in urine.
- Saposin B deficiency gives a similar picture with normal arylsulfatase A activity.

## Related conditions

- [Metachromatic leukodystrophy](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/metachromatic-leukodystrophy/)

## Related

- [Galactosylceramide (galactocerebroside)](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/molecules/galactosylceramide/)
- [Sphingolipids and sphingolipidoses](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/topics/sphingolipids-and-sphingolipidoses/)
- [Ceramide](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/molecules/ceramide/)

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## Which enzyme removes the sulfate from sulfatide?

Arylsulfatase A (ARSA gene), helped by saposin B.

## Why is metachromatic leukodystrophy so named?

Stored sulfatides stain a colour different from the dye used (metachromasia).

## Which molecule donates the sulfate to make sulfatides?

PAPS (3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphosulfate).

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Molecules are shown in their neutral form, as the databases deposit them; in the cell the acids and phosphates are ionised.

Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.

Sources: [RCSB PDB - SFT Ligand Summary Page](https://www.rcsb.org/ligand/SFT) (RCSB Protein Data Bank, 2026); [Glycosphingolipid metabolism](https://reactome.org/PathwayBrowser/#/R-HSA-1660662) (Reactome, 2026); [ARSA gene: MedlinePlus Genetics](https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/arsa/) (MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine, 2026); [Metachromatic leukodystrophy: MedlinePlus Genetics](https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/metachromatic-leukodystrophy/) (MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine, 2026); Textbook of Biochemistry for Medical Students, 6th ed. (Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (Vasudevan DM, Sreekumari S, Vaidyanathan K), 2011).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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