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O-GlcNAcylation: the metabolic-immune translator in tumor evolution and treatment

Jinwen Zhao1,2, Jincai Lv1,2, Huanhuan Wang1

  • 1Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology & Therapy and Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.

Molecular Medicine (Cambridge, Mass.)
|July 20, 2026
PubMed

Insights

O-GlcNAcylation, a protein modification, links tumor metabolism and immune evasion. Targeting this process offers a new strategy for cancer treatment by modulating immune responses.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • O-GlcNAcylation is a dynamic post-translational modification impacting protein function.
  • The hexosamine biosynthesis pathway (HBP) provides the substrate for O-GlcNAcylation.
  • Tumor metabolic reprogramming influences O-GlcNAcylation levels.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of O-GlcNAcylation in immunometabolism.
  • To explore O-GlcNAcylation as a link between metabolic reprogramming and immune evasion.
  • To discuss O-GlcNAcylation as a potential cancer therapeutic target.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of O-GlcNAcylation in cancer.
  • Analysis of O-GlcNAcylation's role in immune signaling.
  • Exploration of metabolic pathways influencing O-GlcNAcylation.

Main Results:

  • O-GlcNAcylation regulates immune signaling pathways.
  • O-GlcNAcylation acts as a metabolic-immune translator in tumors.
  • Altered O-GlcNAcylation impacts tumor progression and treatment response.

Conclusions:

  • O-GlcNAcylation is a key regulator in cancer immunometabolism.
  • Targeting O-GlcNAcylation may overcome immune evasion in tumors.
  • O-GlcNAcylation presents a promising therapeutic avenue for cancer treatment.
Keywords:
Immune escapeMetabolic reprogrammingO-GlcNAcylationTumor treatment

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