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Updated: Apr 23, 2026
08:58
Characterization of Glycoproteins with the Immunoglobulin Fold by X-Ray Crystallography and Biophysical Techniques
Published on: July 5, 2018
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Advances in understanding glycosyltransferases from a structural perspective.
1Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, North Haugh, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST, UK.
Current Opinion in Structural Biology
|September 21, 2014
Summary
Structural studies of glycosyltransferases (GTs) reveal enzyme mechanisms and specificity. Recent data illuminate N-linked glycosylation, O-GlcNAc transferase function, and cellulose synthesis.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Structural Biology
- Enzymology
Background:
- Glycosyltransferases (GTs) are crucial enzymes catalyzing the formation of diverse saccharides and glycoconjugates.
- Understanding GTs at a molecular level is key to elucidating their biological functions and roles in disease.
- Engineering GTs holds potential for synthesizing valuable biological and medical molecules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent structural data on glycosyltransferases (GTs).
- To enhance understanding of GT mechanisms of action and specificity.
- To highlight key GT structures and their implications for glycosylation processes.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of structural data obtained in the last 3-4 years.
- Review of kinetic studies related to GT function.
- Comparative analysis of GT structures from different biological sources.
Main Results:
- Recent structural data have significantly advanced the understanding of GT mechanisms and specificity.
- The structure of a bacterial oligosaccharyltransferase offers insights into N-linked glycosylation.
- Structures of human O-GlcNAc transferase and a bacterial cellulose synthase complex are presented.
Conclusions:
- Structural biology provides critical insights into the diverse functions of glycosyltransferases.
- Understanding GTs can aid in identifying disease-related enzymes and developing novel therapeutic or synthetic strategies.
- The reviewed structures exemplify the power of molecular insights into fundamental biological processes like glycosylation and cellulose synthesis.
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