Abstract
UDP-N-acetyl-D-galactosamine: polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyl transferase-6 (pp-GalNAc-T6) is a member of the N-acetyl-D-galactosamine transferase family. It catalyzes the addition of N-acetyl-D-galactosamine to proteins, often the first step in O-glycosylation of proteins. Glycosylated proteins play important roles in vivo in the cell membrane. These are often involved in cell-cell adhesion, cytoskeleton regulation and immune recognition. pp-GalNAc-T6 has been shown to be upregulated in a number of types of cancer. Abnormally glycosylated forms of mucin 1 (a substrate of the enzyme), are used clinically as a biomarker for breast cancer. There is potential for other products of the pp-GalNAc- T6 catalyzed reaction to be used. It is also possible that pp-GalNAc-T6 itself could be used as a biomarker, since levels of this protein tend to be low in non-malignant tissues. pp- GalNAc-T6 has been implicated in malignant transformation and metastasis of cancer cells. As such, it has considerable potential as a target for chemotherapy. To date, no selective inhibitors of the enzyme have been identified. However, general inhibitors of the enzyme family result in reduced cell surface O-linked glycosylation and induce apoptosis in cultured cells. Thus, a selective inhibitor of pp-GalNAc-T6 is likely to target cancer cells and could be developed into a novel anticancer therapy.
Keywords: UDP-GalNAc, UDP-N-acetyl-D-galactosamine, polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase-6, cancer, metastasis, biomarker, GALNT6.
Graphical Abstract
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Innovative Cancer Drug Targets: A New Horizon in Oncology
Cancer remains one of the most challenging diseases, with its complexity and adaptability necessitating continuous research efforts into more effective and targeted therapeutic approaches. Recent years have witnessed significant progress in understanding the molecular and genetic basis of cancer, leading to the identification of novel drug targets. These include, but ...read more
The Impact of Cancer Neuroscience on Novel Brain Cancer Treatment
Brain cancer remains one of the most challenging malignancies due to its complexity and resistance to conventional therapies. Recent advancements in cancer neuroscience have transformed our understanding of the brain's tumor microenvironment, offering promising insights into novel treatments. By studying the intricate interactions between cancer cells and the nervous system, ...read more
Unraveling the Tumor Microenvironment and Potential Therapeutic Targets: Insights from Single-Cell Sequencing and Spatial Transcriptomics
This special issue will focus on unraveling the complexities of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and identifying key biomarkers for potential therapeutic targets using advanced multi-omics techniques, such as single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics. We seek original research and comprehensive reviews that investigate the heterogeneity and dynamics of the TME, emphasizing ...read more
Related Journals
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry
Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Allergy Agents in Medicinal Chemistry
Current Bioactive Compounds
Combinatorial Chemistry & High Throughput Screening
Current Cancer Therapy Reviews
Current Diabetes Reviews
Current Drug Safety
Current Drug Targets
Current Drug Therapy
Current Drug Delivery
Related Books
Anthocyanins: Pharmacology and Nutraceutical Importance
The Roles and Responsibilities of Clinical Pharmacists in Hospital Settings
Bioactive Compounds from Medicinal Plants for Cancer Therapy and Chemoprevention
Drug Addiction Mechanisms in the Brain
Software and Programming Tools in Pharmaceutical Research
Objective Pharmaceutics: A Comprehensive Compilation of Questions and Answers for Pharmaceutics Exam Prep
Medicinal Chemistry of Drugs Affecting Cardiovascular and Endocrine Systems
Frontiers in Clinical Drug Research - Anti-Cancer Agents
The Management of Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: An Integrated and Expeditionary Approach
Advanced Pharmacy
60
8
