Expression in E.coli induces sulfate uptake during early- to mid-log phase growth. Uptake is maximal at pH 6.0, is sulfate-specific, requires E.coli CysA and the transmembrane segment but not the STAS domain of the protein. A possible member of the dormancy regulon. Induced in response to reduced oxygen tension (hypoxia). It is hoped that this regulon will give insight into the latent, or dormant phase of infection. Belongs to the SLC26A/SulP transporter (TC 2.A.53) family.