FUT3 Human

FUT3 was first cloned among the members of the α1,3-fucosyltransferase (α1,3FUT) family by Kukowska-Latallo et al. in 1990 . It was named Fuc-TIII by J. Lowe et al. or FUT3 by Oriol et al. Later, it was demonstrated to be the Lewis enzyme responsible for the expression of Lewis histo-blood group antigens, such as Lewis a (Le^a) and Lewis b (Le^b) .

FUT3 catalyzes the transfer of fucose from GDP-fucose to the N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) residue of type-2 chain (Galβ1-4GlcNAc) with an α1,3-linkage, or to the GlcNAc residue of type-1 chain (Galβ1-3GlcNAc) with an α1,4-linkage . This enzymatic activity is essential for the biosynthesis of various Lewis antigen epitopes, including Le^a, Le^b, Le^x, Le^y, sialyl Le^a (sLe^a), and sLe^x .

The Lewis antigens synthesized by FUT3 are involved in several biological processes:

• Cell-Cell Adhesion: Lewis antigens facilitate cell-cell interactions, which are crucial for tissue formation and maintenance.
• Immune Response: These antigens play a role in the immune system by mediating interactions between cells and pathogens.
• Signal Transduction: Lewis antigens are involved in signaling pathways that regulate various cellular functions.

Recombinant Human Fucosyltransferase 3 (FUT3) is produced using advanced biotechnological methods. It is formulated to be used in cell surface glycoengineering of living cells without affecting cell viability or native phenotype . The recombinant protein is typically supplied as a carrier-free solution, ensuring high purity and stability .

Recombinant FUT3 has several applications in research and biotechnology:

• Glycoengineering: Used to modify the glycosylation patterns on cell surfaces, which can be important for studying cell interactions and developing therapeutic strategies.
• Biochemical Studies: Helps in understanding the enzymatic mechanisms and substrate specificities of fucosyltransferases.
• Clinical Research: Investigated for its potential role in disease mechanisms and as a target for therapeutic interventions.

Recombinant FUT3 is typically stored at -20 to -70°C to maintain its stability and activity. It is important to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles to preserve its functionality .