Glycosyltransferases

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of GTs (glycosyltransferases) with a focus on mechanism and structure, reagents/inhibitors, and their application in synthesis. GT-catalysed glycosyl transfer can occur with either retention or inversion of configuration at the anomeric center of the glycosyl donor. This distinction, by analogy with glycoside hydrolases, allows classification of GTs as either retaining or inverting enzymes. In contrast to the remarkable diversity of structures that has been observed for glycoside hydrolases, only a few topological folds have been seen for GTs. The majority of GTs fall into just two groups, termed GT-A and GT-B, each of which includes members that are retaini..