Bifunctional heparan sulfate N-deacetylase/N-sulfotransferase 1 (NDST1)

Essential bifunctional enzyme that catalyzes both the N- deacetylation and the N-sulfation of glucosamine (GlcNAc) of the glycosaminoglycan in heparan sulfate. Modifies the GlcNAc-GlcA disaccharide repeating sugar back to produce N-sulfated heparosan, a prerequisite substrate for later modifications in heparin biosynthesis (PubMed:10758005, PubMed:12634318).

Plays a role in determining the scope and pattern of sulfation of heparan sulfate. Compared to other NDST enzymes, its presence is absolutely required.