dTDP-D-Fuc

dTDP-D-Fuc (dTDP-D-fucose) is a nucleotide sugar consisting of thymidine diphosphate (dTDP) linked to D-fucose, a deoxy sugar. It is involved in glycosylation processes, where it serves as a glycosyl donor, particularly in the biosynthesis of bacterial glycans such as those found in lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and other complex carbohydrates.

Key Information:

• Full Name: Thymidine diphosphate-D-fucose (dTDP-D-fucose)
• Chemical Role: Acts as a donor molecule in glycosylation, facilitating the transfer of D-fucose to specific acceptor molecules.
• Biological Significance: Plays an important role in the formation of bacterial polysaccharides, which are crucial for bacterial cell wall integrity and interaction with the host immune system.
• Research Applications: Often studied in the context of bacterial virulence, glycoengineering, and the development of antibiotics targeting glycan biosynthesis pathways.

This molecule is particularly important for understanding bacterial biosynthetic pathways and their implications for health and disease.