Glycosyltransferases found ubiquitously in all cells are involved in the biosynthesis of sugar linkages. Sugar-transfer reactions are often abnormal in diseases such as cancer. These enzymes are usually highly specific for both the sugar donor and the sugar acceptor substrates. Khushi Matta's group has a long history of accomplishments in this field. They have synthesized an extremely large variety of glycosyltransferase acceptor analogs which have been used by us and by biochemists for the discovery of new enzymes and for the characterization of detailed substrate specificities of glycosyltransferases. Our knowledge of glycosyltransferases and biosynthetic pathways would not be as advanced without the systematic, targeted and insightful chemical synthesis by K. Matta. Many other chemists have followed in his footsteps. Matta has therefore made critical contributions to the discovery of new enzymes and pathways, to an understanding of enzymatic catalysis, the role of glycosylation, as well as the mechanisms of disease. In addition, the knowledge gained led to the design of specific inihibitors that have the potential to re-engineer glycosylation.

Synthetic glycosyltransferase acceptor substrates and substrate analogs: A lifetime achievement by Khushi Matta for the detailed characterization of novel enzymes

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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