Function of unique o-glycan structures in protecting gastric mucosa against helicobacter pylori infection and gastric cancer development

Abstract

Gastric gland mucin secreted from gland mucous cells located in lower portions of the gastric mucosa contains unique O-linked oligosaccharides displaying terminal α1,4-linked N-acetylglucosamine (αGlcNAc). αGlcNAc inhibits growth and motility of Helicobacter pylori, a microbe causing gastric cancer, by inhibiting biosynthesis of its cell wall component cholesteryl-α-D-glucopyranoside. In addition, αGlcNAc serves as a tumor suppressor for gastric differentiated-type adenocarcinoma, and its loss in gastric cancer cells is associated with progression and poor prognosis of patients with this subtype of gastric cancer. This chapter summarizes protective functions of αGlcNAc against gastric cancer development.