Abstract
Cell-surface glycoproteins are regarded as candidates for involvement in the spread of tumor cells. N-linked β1-6 branched oligosaccharides may contribute directly to the malignant or metastatic phenotypes of tumor cells. Increased β1-6 branching has been associated with an increased level of N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase V (GlcNAc transferase V), the glycosyltransferase that initiates the β1-6 branching. In this report, 33 pathologically verified hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) specimens, six non-cancerous tissues surrounding HCC and five normal liver specimens have been studied. We have quantified N-linked β1-6 branched oligosaccharides indirectly by measuring GlcNac transferase V activity. The average GlcNac transferase V activities in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), noncancerous tissues surrounding HCC and normal liver tissues were 324.2 ± 269.8, 84.8 ± 20.7 and 7.0 ± 6.2 pmol product h−1 mg protein−1 (P < 0.05) respectively. In addition, the activity was correlated with the TNM classification of HCC. The average activities of GlcNAc transferase V in stages T1, T2–3 and T4 were 77.6 ± 57.8, 369.0 ± 294.7 and 329.9 ± 205.9 pmol product h−1 mg protein h−1 respectively (P < 0.05), showing that the activity of the enzyme in advanced HCC was higher than that in early HCC. Our preliminary results indicated that GlcNAc transferase V activity increased in human HCC and was correlated with its progression.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 5 May 1997 / Accepted: 21 August 1997
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Yao, M., Zhou, DP., Jiang, SM. et al. Elevated activity of N -acetylglucosaminyltransferase V in human hepatocellular carcinoma. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 124, 27–30 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004320050129
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004320050129