This gene encodes an enzyme that sulfurates the molybdenum cofactor which is required for activation of the xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) and aldehyde oxidase (AO) enzymes. XDH catalyzes the conversion of hypoxanthine to uric acid via xanthine, as well as the conversion of allopurinol to oxypurinol, and pyrazinamide to 5-hydroxy pyrazinamide. Mutations in this gene cause the metabolic disorder classical xanthinuria type II which is characterized by the loss of XDH/XO and AO enzyme activity, decreased levels of uric acid in the urine, increased levels of xanthine and hypoxanthine in the serum and urine, formation of xanthine stones in the urinary tract, and myositis due to tissue deposition of xanthine.