Fucosyltransferase 8 (FUT8)

Fucosyltransferase 8 (FUT8) is a mammalian enzyme responsible for the addition of fucose in an α1,6 linkage to the innermost N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) residue of N-linked glycans, a process known as core fucosylation. This unique modification is essential for protein maturation, modulating the function of receptors like TGF-β, EGF, and IgG Fc, thereby impacting cell signaling, adhesion, immune response, and development. FUT8 is critically involved in cancer progression and is explored as a target for glycoengineering in antibody therapeutics to increase immune-mediated cytotoxicity. Loss of FUT8 function is associated with lethal developmental phenotypes and impaired organogenesis.

Other names

Alpha-(1,6)-fucosyltransferaseAlpha-1,6-fucosyltransferaseFUT8α1,6-fucosyltransferase

Inhibition: Blockade of FUT8 activity prevents core fucosylation, enhances therapeutic antibody binding to Fcγ receptors, and increases immune effector function. Gene knockout or editing: Used in cell lines to produce afucosylated biotherapeutics with increased efficacy.