O-GlcNAc (short for O-linked GlcNAc or O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine) is a reversible enzymatic post-translational modification that is found on serine and threonine residues of nucleocytoplasmic proteins. The modification is characterized by a β-glycosidic bond between the hydroxyl group of serine or threonine side chains and N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc). It has been suggested that apoptosis is regulated by O-GlcNAc. In various cancers, elevated O-GlcNAc levels have been reported to suppress apoptosis. Caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 have been reported to be modified by O-GlcNAc. Caspase-8 is modified near its cleavage/activation sites; O-GlcNAc modification may block caspase-8 cleavage and activation by steric hindrance. Pharmacological lowering of O-GlcNAc with 5S-GlcNAc accelerated caspase activation while pharmacological raising of O-GlcNAc with thiamet-G inhibited caspase activation.
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