| Modification Notes |
GCNT1, also designated core 2 beta1,6-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase I or C2GnT-I, plays an important regulatory role in the biosynthesis of mucin-type O-glycans, which serve as ligands in cell adhesion. GCNT1 is expressed in a variety of cell types, including lymphocytes and mucin-producing cells. Specifically, GCNT1 expression in leukocytes regulates the synthesis of core 2 O-glycans that carry sialyl-Lewis x (sLex) oligosaccharides, which confer high affinity binding to Selectins. Downregulation of Selectin ligand expression levels has been shown to inhibit tissue infiltration. Therefore, GCNT1 represents a potential drug target for the treatment of inflammatory disorders and other pathologies involving Selectins. |