Human Alpha-(1,3)-Fucosyltransferase 4 (FUT4) Protein

Background

FUT4 (fucosyltransferase 4) is a crucial enzyme in the glycosylation process, specifically responsible for catalyzing the transfer of fucose, a hexose sugar, to target glycoproteins and glycolipids. This process is essential in forming fucosylated glycans, such as the Lewis antigens. FUT4 belongs to the broader family of fucosyltransferases, enzymes that facilitate the addition of fucose residues to various substrates. These glycosylation modifications are important for many cellular functions, including cell adhesion, signal transduction, immune response, and development. One of the primary roles of FUT4 is in the synthesis of Lewis X antigen (CD15), a fucosylated oligosaccharide that plays a critical role in mediating cell-cell interactions. FUT4 is encoded by the FUT4 gene, which is located on chromosome 11q21-22 in humans. It is expressed in a variety of tissues but is especially prominent in the bone marrow, placenta, and immune cells. The enzyme's activity has been linked to processes such as leukocyte trafficking, inflammation, and tumor metastasis, due to its ability to regulate the presentation of fucosylated antigens on the cell surface.