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Updated: Oct 13, 2025

Glycan Node Analysis: A Bottom-up Approach to Glycomics
Published on: May 22, 2016
Role and Function of O-GlcNAcylation in Cancer
Jii Bum Lee1,2, Kyoung-Ho Pyo3, Hye Ryun Kim2
1Division of Hemato-Oncology, Wonju Severance Christian Hospital, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju 26426, Korea.
Abstract:
Cancer cells are able to reprogram their glucose metabolism and retain energy via glycolysis even under aerobic conditions. They activate the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway (HBP), and the complex interplay of O-linked N-acetylglucosaminylation (O-GlcNAcylation) via deprivation of nutrients or increase in cellular stress results in the proliferation, progression, and metastasis of cancer cells. Notably, cancer is one of the emerging diseases associated with O-GlcNAcylation. In this review, we summarize studies that delineate the role of O-GlcNAcylation in cancer, including its modulation in metastasis, function with receptor tyrosine kinases, and resistance to chemotherapeutic agents, such as cisplatin. In addition, we discuss the function of O-GlcNAcylation in eliciting immune responses associated with immune surveillance in the tumor microenvironment. O-GlcNAcylation is increasingly accepted as one of the key players involved in the activation and differentiation of T cells and macrophages. Finally, we discuss the prognostic role of O-GlcNAcylation and potential therapeutic agents such as O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine-transferase inhibitors, which may help overcome the resistance mechanism associated with the reprogramming of glucose metabolism.
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