mannosyltransferase

Mannosyltransferase is an enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of a mannose group from a donor molecule to an acceptor molecule. These enzymes are crucial for the synthesis of glycoproteins and glycolipids, which are essential components of cell membranes and play vital roles in various biological processes such as cell signaling, immune response, and protein folding. Mannosyltransferases are found in a wide range of organisms, from bacteria to humans.

The reaction catalyzed by mannosyltransferases involves the formation of a glycosidic bond between the mannose residue and the acceptor molecule. The donor molecule is typically a nucleotide sugar, such as guanosine diphosphate mannose (GDP-mannose) or uridine diphosphate mannose (UDP-mannose). The acceptor molecule can be a protein, a lipid, or another carbohydrate chain.

Dysfunctional mannosyltransferases can lead to a variety of diseases, including congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDGs), which are a group of rare genetic disorders characterized by defects in the synthesis or processing of glycans. Research into mannosyltransferases is ongoing, with a focus on understanding their diverse roles in cellular processes and exploring their potential as therapeutic targets for various diseases.