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Published on: February 22, 2019
I-branched carbohydrates as emerging effectors of malignant progression
1Department of Translational Medicine, Translational Glycobiology Institute at Florida International University, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199 cdimitroff@bwh.harvard.edu.
Abstract:
Cell surface carbohydrates, termed "glycans," are ubiquitous posttranslational effectors that can tune cancer progression. Often aberrantly displayed or found at atypical levels on cancer cells, glycans can impact essentially all progressive steps, from malignant transformation to metastases formation. Glycans are structural entities that can directly bind promalignant glycan-binding proteins and help elicit optimal receptor-ligand activity of growth factor receptors, integrins, integrin ligands, lectins, and other type-1 transmembrane proteins. Because glycans play an integral role in a cancer cell's malignant activity and are frequently uniquely expressed, preclinical studies on the suitability of glycans as anticancer therapeutic targets and their promise as biomarkers of disease progression continue to intensify. While sialylation and fucosylation have predominated the focus of cancer-associated glycan modifications, the emergence of blood group I antigens (or I-branched glycans) as key cell surface moieties capable of modulating cancer virulence has reenergized investigations into the role of the glycome in malignant progression. I-branched glycans catalyzed principally by the I-branching enzyme GCNT2 are now indicated in several malignancies. In this Perspective, the putative role of GCNT2/I-branching in cancer progression is discussed, including exciting insights on how I-branches can potentially antagonize the cancer-promoting activity of β-galactose-binding galectins.
Insights
I-branched glycans, regulated by GCNT2, are emerging as key players in cancer progression. These cell surface structures may antagonize cancer-promoting galectins, offering new therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Cancer Biology
- Glycobiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cell surface glycans significantly influence cancer progression, impacting malignant transformation and metastasis.
- Aberrant glycan expression on cancer cells affects interactions with growth factors, integrins, and other cell surface proteins.
- While sialylation and fucosylation are well-studied, I-branched glycans are gaining attention for their role in cancer virulence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the role of GCNT2 and I-branching in cancer progression.
- To explore how I-branches may counteract the pro-cancer effects of galectins.
- To highlight the potential of I-branched glycans as therapeutic targets and biomarkers.
Main Methods:
- This perspective synthesizes existing research on GCNT2 and I-branched glycans in cancer.
- It reviews the biochemical interactions between I-branches, galectins, and cancer cells.
- Literature analysis on glycan modifications and their impact on cancer virulence.
Main Results:
- I-branched glycans, catalyzed by GCNT2, are implicated in several malignancies.
- I-branches may function as antagonists to the cancer-promoting activity of β-galactose-binding galectins.
- The unique expression of these glycans presents opportunities for targeted therapies and diagnostics.
Conclusions:
- GCNT2-mediated I-branching is a significant factor in cancer progression.
- Targeting I-branched glycans offers a promising strategy for cancer therapy.
- Further research into the glycome, particularly I-branched glycans, is crucial for advancing cancer treatment.
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