Glycosyltransferase enzyme (GT (or GTase))

Glycosyltransferases are a large family of enzymes (EC 2.4.x.y) responsible for transferring sugar moieties from activated donor molecules (typically nucleotide sugars) to a wide variety of acceptor molecules, forming glycosidic bonds[3][2][1]. These reactions are crucial in the biosynthesis of oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, glycoproteins, and glycolipids, impacting cell signaling, protein folding, and cell–cell interactions[3][5]. Glycosyltransferases can be categorized into numerous families based on sequence and structural features, with several well-defined 3D folds such as GT-A, GT-B, and GT-C[1][2][4]. They can act via either retaining or inverting mechanisms, influencing the stereochemistry of the sugar linkage[2][4]. Dysfunction in glycosyltransferases is implicated in a wide variety of human diseases, including cancer, immunological disorders, congenital metabolic syndromes, and infectious diseases[3]. Enzymes in this class are common drug targets, though the broad role of glycosylation creates significant therapeutic challenges relating to selectivity and toxicity[2]. Caveats: - "Glycosyltransferase enzyme family" is not a specific molecule but rather denotes a very large enzyme superfamily containing over 100 distinct human enzymes and many more in other organisms[2][3][5]. Each family or isoenzyme (e.g., glucosylceramide synthase, oligosaccharyltransferase, sialyltransferase) has unique function and targeting properties. Structured data should reference a specific isoform or gene/protein for clear therapeutic or biomarker information. - Singular "Glycosyltransferase enzyme" conforms to accepted naming conventions, while the plural "Glycosyltransferase enzyme family" is non-standard and too broad to accurately describe a discrete drug target. If you are seeking structured information for a specific glycosyltransferase (e.g., "glucosylceramide synthase" or "UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1"), clarify the isoform for precise and actionable data.

Other names

Glycosyltransferase (singular, preferred)GTFGtfsSugar transferase

Inhibition of glycosyltransferase activity; Modulation of glycosylation patterns; Substrate competition