Mice overexpressing β-1,4-Galactosyltransferase I are resistant to TNF-induced inflammation and DSS-induced colitis.

ABSTRACT: Glycosylation is an essential post-translational modification, which determines the function of proteins and important processes such as inflammation. β-1,4-galactosyltransferase I (βGalT1) is a key enzyme involved in the addition of galactose moieties to glycoproteins. Intestinal mucins are glycoproteins that protect the gut barrier against invading pathogens and determine the composition of the intestinal microbiota. Proper glycosylation of mucus is important in this regard. By using ubiquitously expressing βGalT1 transgenic mice, we found that this enzyme led to strong galactosylation of mucus proteins, isolated from the gut of mice. This galactosylation was associated with a drastic change in composition of gut microbiota, as TG mice had a significantly higher Firmicutes to Bacteroidet

SUBMITTER: Vanhooren V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3855152 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature