FUCA2

FUCA2, also known as alpha-L-fucosidase 2, is a human gene that encodes an enzyme. This enzyme is part of the glycoside hydrolase family and is responsible for cleaving alpha-L-fucose residues from various carbohydrate structures. Fucose is a deoxy sugar that plays a role in numerous biological processes, including cell-cell recognition, immune responses, and protein folding.

The FUCA2 enzyme is primarily found in the cytoplasm and is thought to be involved in the degradation of fucosylated glycans. These glycans are present on glycoproteins and glycolipids, which are abundant on cell surfaces and in extracellular matrices. Defects in fucosidase activity can lead to the accumulation of undegraded substrates, potentially causing health issues.

While the precise physiological functions of FUCA2 are still under investigation, research suggests its involvement in pathways related to inflammation and cancer. Alterations in FUCA2 expression or activity have been observed in certain types of cancer, hinting at a potential role in tumor progression or suppression. Further research is ongoing to fully elucidate the specific roles of FUCA2 in human health and disease.