biostudies-literatureGroux-Degroote SAgence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR)Ligue contre le cancer 2016Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)University of LilleHauts de FranceUniversité de LilleEuropean Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST)3381-3390https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC9290495biostudies-literatureUnknown22(24)The Sd^a carbohydrate antigen and the corresponding biosynthetic enzyme B4GALNT2 are primarily expressed in human normal colonic mucosa and are down-regulated to variable degrees in colon cancer. On the other hand, the tumor associated antigen SLe^x is not detected in the healthy colon and is upregulated in colon cancer. High level of B4GALNT2 gene expression appears to be a good marker of prognosis in colon cancer; however, the molecular mechanisms regulating these carbohydrate antigens' expression are still poorly understood. We review here the most recent progress made towards understanding this balanced expression of blood group carbohydrate epitopes Sd^a and SLe^x . In particular in recent years, we have attained a better understanding of genetiChembiochem : a European journal of chemical biologyB4GALNT2 Controls Sd^a and SLe^x Antigen Biosynthesis in Healthy and Cancer Human Colon.PMC9290495CA18103-INNOGLYANR-2010-BLAN-120401 GalFishCOST Action CA18103-INNOGLYCogez VSchulz CVicogne DGroux-Degroote SHarduin-Lepers AfalseB4GALNT2 Controls Sd^a and SLe^x Antigen Biosynthesis in Healthy and Cancer Human Colon.The Sd^a carbohydrate antigen and the corresponding biosynthetic enzyme B4GALNT2 are primarily expressed in human normal colonic mucosa and are down-regulated to variable degrees in colon cancer. On the other hand, the tumor associated antigen SLe^x is not detected in the healthy colon and is upregulated in colon cancer. High level of B4GALNT2 gene expression appears to be a good marker of prognosis in colon cancer; however, the molecular mechanisms regulating these carbohydrate antigens' expression are still poorly understood. We review here the most recent progress made towards understanding this balanced expression of blood group carbohydrate epitopes Sd^a and SLe^x . In particular in recent years, we have attained a better understanding of geneti2021-01-01T00:00:00Z2021 Dec2025-05-31T23:31:35.627Z2024-11-12T10:48:47.713ZS-EPMC92904953439714210.1002/cbic.202100363