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Glycosyltransferases as Oncogenic Drivers: Lessons from Cancer Genome Mining

Pranoy Sahu1, Francesco Russo1, Domenico Russo1

  • 1Institute of Endotypes in Oncology, Metabolism and Immunology "G. Salvatore," National Research Council of Italy, Naples, Italy.

DNA and Cell Biology
|June 8, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Glycosylation, the process of adding sugars to molecules, is a key driver of cancer. Researchers found that alterations in glycosyltransferase genes can promote tumor growth, making the glycosylation machinery a new therapeutic target.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Glycosylation is the most abundant post-translational modification in eukaryotes.
  • The role of glycosylation machinery in cancer development has been historically underestimated.
  • Alterations in glycosylation are common in malignant cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify novel oncogenic drivers within the glycosylation machinery.
  • To investigate the role of glycosyltransferases in cancer initiation and progression.
  • To explore therapeutic strategies targeting glycosylation pathways in cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic analysis of large-scale cancer genomic datasets.
  • Mining for somatic copy number alterations in glycosyltransferase genes.
  • Bioinformatic analysis of gene expression and copy number data.

Main Results:

  • Glycosyltransferases were identified as a new class of oncogenic amplification targets.
  • Evidence suggests specific glycosyltransferase alterations can drive oncogenesis.
  • The Golgi apparatus is highlighted as a central hub for aberrant glycan biosynthesis in cancer.

Conclusions:

  • The glycosylation machinery is an active driver of cancer, not just a bystander.
  • Targeting glycosyltransferases presents a promising new therapeutic avenue for cancer treatment.
  • Further research into glycosylation pathways is crucial for advancing cancer therapy.
Keywords:
Golgi apparatuscancer glycomicscopy number alterationsglycocalyxglycosyltransferasesoncogenesisprecision oncology

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