Metabolic utilization and remodeling of glycan biosynthesis using fucose analogs

Fucose (Fuc), a monosaccharide present at the core or the termini of glycans, critically regulates various biological phenomena and is associated with various diseases. Specifically detecting Fuc residues or inhibiting the fucosylation pathway is pivotal in understanding the mechanisms of how fucosylated glycans are related to biological processes and diseases and in developing novel therapeutic agents. This review focuses on chemical biology approaches using Fuc analogs developed for metabolically labeling fucosylated glycans or inhibiting the biosynthesis of fucosylated glycans. Developed Fuc analogs have different potency, specificity and effects on protein and cellular functions. Developing highly enzyme-specific probes and inhibitors is desirable for future investigations. Chemical glycobiology approaches using sugar analogs are useful for revealing novel mechanisms of inter-relationships among sugar metabolism pathways and manipulating glycan expression to develop new glycan-targeted therapies.