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 backbone to make N-sulfated heparosan, a prerequisite substrate for later modifications in heparin biosynthesis. Has high deacetylase activity but low sulfotransferase activity.
Subcellular locations: Golgi apparatus membrane
Expressed in brain, kidney, liver, fetal and adult lung, adult pancreas, placenta, fetal spleen and fetal thymus. Not detected in adult/ fetal heart and skeletal muscle.