Glucosaminyl (N-acetyl) transferase 3, mucin type (GCNT3)

Glucosaminyl (N-acetyl) transferase 3, mucin type (GCNT3), is an enzyme of the N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase family that catalyzes the formation of core 2 and core 4 O-glycans on mucin-type glycoproteins, as well as I branches, playing a central role in mucin-type glycosylation[1][3]. It participates in the branching of O-glycans, which affects adhesion, signaling, and the immune function of cells. GCNT3 expression is often altered in cancer, including colorectal, ovarian, liver, breast, and renal cell carcinomas. Lowered expression is associated with worse prognosis in colorectal cancer and altered chemotherapy responses, while increased expression can suppress tumor growth and cell invasion[2][4][6][8]. GCNT3 is also emerging as a prognostic and predictive biomarker for cancer, indicating its relevance for patient selection and efficacy monitoring in anticancer therapy[2][4][6][8].

Other names

C2/4GnTC2GnT-MC2GnT2Beta-1,3-galactosyl-O-glycosyl-glycoprotein beta-1,6-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase 3Core 2/core 4 beta-1,6-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferaseC2GnT-mucin typehC2GnT-MGNTMC2GNT2

Modulation of glycosylation patterns that alter cell proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis. Increased GCNT3 expression improves chemotherapy response (notably to 5-fluorouracil) in colorectal cancer cells.