Fucosyltransferase 5 (FUT5)

Fucosyltransferase 5 (FUT5) is a type II transmembrane glycoprotein belonging to the glycosyltransferase 10 family, functioning as an alpha(1,3)-fucosyltransferase. It catalyzes the terminal addition of fucose to glycan chains, generating Lewis antigens (e.g., Le^x^, sialyl-Le^x^, Le^a^), which are essential for cell-cell adhesion, leukocyte trafficking, and immune cell extravasation. FUT5 is a single-exon gene (human-specific, no rodent orthologue), and is implicated in processes of cell signaling, development, and cancer progression, particularly through its impact on cell surface glycan composition and consequent cell migration and invasion.

Other names

4-galactosyl-N-acetylglucosaminide 3-alpha-L-fucosyltransferase FUT5Fuc-TVFucT-VFUC-TV3-galactosyl-N-acetylglucosaminide 4-alpha-L-fucosyltransferase FUT5Fucosyltransferase VGalactoside 3-L-fucosyltransferasealpha (1,3) fucosyltransferasealpha-(1,3)-fucosyltransferase 5fucT-V

No approved drugs specifically target FUT5; inhibition would block fucosylation and the biosynthesis of Lewis antigens, potentially interfering with cell adhesion and immune cell trafficking.