InterPro: IPR002516 Glycosyl transferase, family 11

The biosynthesis of disaccharides, oligosaccharides and polysaccharides involves the action of hundreds of different glycosyltransferases. These enzymes catalyse the transfer of sugar moieties from activated donor molecules to specific acceptor molecules, forming glycosidic bonds. A classification of glycosyltransferases using nucleotide diphospho-sugar, nucleotide monophospho-sugar and sugar phosphates (EC:2.4.1.-) and related proteins into distinct sequence based families has been described [1]. This classification is available on the CAZy (CArbohydrate-Active EnZymes) web site [2]. The same three-dimensional fold is expected to occur within each of the families. Because 3-D structures are better conserved than sequences, several of the families defined on the basis of sequence similarities may have similar 3-D structures and therefore form 'clans'.

Glycosyltransferase family 11 GT11 comprises enzymes with only one known activity; galactoside 2-L-fucosyltransferase (EC:2.4.1.69).

Some of the proteins in this group are responsible for the molecular basis of the blood group antigens, surface markers on the outside of the red blood cell membrane. Most of these markers are proteins, but some are carbohydrates attached to lipids or proteins [Reid M.E., Lomas-Francis C. The Blood Group Antigen FactsBook Academic Press, London / San Diego, (1997)]. Galactoside 2-L-fucosyltransferase 1 (EC:2.4.1.69) and Galactoside 2-L-fucosyltransferase 2 (EC:2.4.1.69) belong to the Hh blood group system and are associated with H/h and Se/se antigens.