GDP-L-Fuc

GDP-L-Fucose is a guanosine diphosphate sugar and an important donor molecule in the biosynthesis of fucosylated glycoconjugates, such as glycoproteins and glycolipids. It plays a key role in the modification of glycan structures in various biological processes including cell-cell recognition, immune response, and pathogen-host interactions.

Structure & Properties:

• Molecular Weight (MW): 633.31 g/mol
• Chemical Formula: C16H23N5Na2O15P2
• Synonyms: Guanosine 5′-diphospho-β-L-fucose disodium salt
• CAS Number: 148296-47-3
• IUPAC Name: [[(2R,3S,4R,5R)-5-(6-aminopurin-9-yl)-3,4-dihydroxyoxolan-2-yl]methoxy-hydroxyphosphoryl]oxy-[(hydroxyphosphoryl)methoxy]methylfuranose disodium salt

Biological Role:

• Biosynthesis: GDP-L-Fucose is synthesized in cells through the GDP-mannose pathway and the salvage pathway. It is a precursor in the synthesis of fucosylated oligosaccharides.
• Functions: It serves as a donor substrate for fucosyltransferases, enzymes responsible for the transfer of fucose residues onto glycan structures. Fucosylation is critical in the function of many biomolecules, influencing processes such as cell adhesion, immune recognition, and inflammation.

Applications:

1. Glycosylation Studies: Used to study the enzymatic incorporation of fucose into glycans and understand its role in biological systems.
2. Drug Development: It is utilized in research focused on therapeutic targeting of fucosylation pathways for diseases like cancer and inflammatory disorders.
3. Enzyme Assays: Commonly used in enzyme assays to investigate the activity of fucosyltransferases.

Storage and Stability:

• Storage: Store GDP-L-Fucose at -20°C, away from moisture and light.
• Stability: When properly stored, it is stable for long-term use in biochemical and cell-based assays.

This compound is crucial in the study of glycobiology, especially in understanding the functional impact of glycan structures in various biological and pathological processes.