13fucosyltransferases

13fucosyltransferases are a family of enzymes that catalyze the transfer of a fucose sugar residue from a donor molecule, typically guanosine diphosphate-fucose (GDP-fucose), to an acceptor molecule. These enzymes are crucial in the biosynthesis of fucosylated glycans, which are complex carbohydrate structures found on the surface of cells and in various biological fluids. The reaction involves the formation of an alpha-1,3 glycosidic bond between the fucose and the acceptor.

The human genome encodes several fucosyltransferases, with distinct specificities for different acceptor molecules and positions of fucosylation. For instance, FUT1 and FUT2 are involved in the synthesis of the H antigen, a precursor to the A and B blood group antigens. Other fucosyltransferases, such as those in the FUT4, FUT5, FUT6, FUT7, and FUT9 families, play roles in synthesizing a variety of fucosylated structures, including Lewis antigens and sialyl Lewis antigens. These glycans are important for a range of biological processes, including cell-cell recognition, immune responses, and pathogen binding. Dysregulation of fucosyltransferase activity has been implicated in various diseases, including cancer and inflammatory disorders, making these enzymes targets for therapeutic intervention.