Strict order of (Fuc to Asn-linked GlcNAc) fucosyltransferases forming core-difucosylated structures

Abstract

In insect cells fucose can be either alpha1,6- or alpha1,3-linked to the asparagine-bound GlcNAc residue of N-glycans. Difucosylated glycans have also been found. Kinetic studies and acceptor competition experiments demonstrate that two different enzymes are responsible for this alpha1,6- and alpha1,3-linkage of fucose. Using dansylated acceptor substrates a strict order of these enzymes can be established for the formation of difucosylated structures. First, the alpha1,6-fucosyltransferase catalyses the transfer of fucose into alpha1,6-linkage to the non-fucosylated acceptor and then the alpha1,3-fucosyltransferase completes the difucosylation.