GCNT1 | ENSG00000187210 | NCBI 2650

Details for: GCNT1

Gene ID: 2650

Gene Type: Protein-coding - A gene that serves as a template for producing a messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule, which is then translated into a functional protein.

Symbol: GCNT1

Ensembl ID: ENSG00000187210

Description: glucosaminyl (N-acetyl) transferase 1

Cell Significance Landscape

Display Count:

Associated with

Metabolism of proteins
(R-HSA-392499)
O-linked glycosylation
(R-HSA-5173105)
O-linked glycosylation of mucins
(R-HSA-913709)
Post-translational protein modification
(R-HSA-597592)
Beta-1,3-galactosyl-o-glycosyl-glycoprotein beta-1,6-n-acetylglucosaminyltransferase activity
(GO:0003829)
Cell adhesion molecule production
(GO:0060352)
Extracellular space
(GO:0005615)
Glycoprotein biosynthetic process
(GO:0009101)
Golgi cisterna
(GO:0031985)
Golgi membrane
(GO:0000139)
Kidney morphogenesis
(GO:0060993)
Leukocyte tethering or rolling
(GO:0050901)
Membrane
(GO:0016020)
O-glycan processing
(GO:0016266)
O-glycan processing, core 2
(GO:0016268)
Positive regulation of leukocyte tethering or rolling
(GO:1903238)
Protein binding
(GO:0005515)
Response to insulin
(GO:0032868)
Tissue morphogenesis
(GO:0048729)
Trans-golgi network
(GO:0005802)

Significant Cells

Cell Significance Index (CSI) scores for the chosen context(s)

enteroendocrine cell of small intestine CL0009006

CSI 11.51

rCSI 25.33%

PRS 91.81
mucous neck cell CL0000651

CSI 9.44

rCSI 13.61%

PRS 91.61
intestinal epithelial cell CL0002563

CSI 8.22

rCSI 8.59%

PRS 85.77
lung secretory cell CL1000272

CSI 6.5

rCSI 16.1%

PRS 88.4
pancreatic A cell CL0000171

CSI 6.12

rCSI 6.41%

PRS 90.29
retinal ganglion cell CL0000740

CSI 5.95

rCSI 13.14%

PRS 76.51
type EC enteroendocrine cell CL0000577

CSI 5

rCSI 17.74%

PRS 89.9
foveolar cell of stomach CL0002179

CSI 4.93

rCSI 10.49%

PRS 90.97
intestinal crypt stem cell of small intestine CL0009017

CSI 4.76

rCSI 12.82%

PRS 90.74
L2/3-6 intratelencephalic projecting glutamatergic neuron CL4023040

CSI 3.89

rCSI 9.45%

PRS 71.44
transit amplifying cell of small intestine CL0009012

CSI 3.86

rCSI 16.94%

PRS 92.42
cerebral cortex endothelial cell CL1001602

CSI 3.63

rCSI 6.28%

PRS 81.92
tracheobronchial smooth muscle cell CL0019019

CSI 3.34

rCSI 5.89%

PRS 91.2
immature B cell CL0000816

CSI 3.33

rCSI 2.48%

PRS 94.93
smooth muscle cell CL0000192

CSI 3.26

rCSI 7.78%

PRS 82.95
colon epithelial cell CL0011108

CSI 3.14

rCSI 3.29%

PRS 85.65
BEST4+ enteroycte CL4030026

CSI 3.13

rCSI 3.9%

PRS 87.98
ON parasol ganglion cell CL4033052

CSI 3.09

rCSI 43.9%

PRS 80.18
Kupffer cell CL0000091

CSI 3.07

rCSI 7.01%

PRS 89.02
transit amplifying cell CL0009010

CSI 3.01

rCSI 4.6%

PRS 92.16
pancreatic D cell CL0000173

CSI 3

rCSI 2.95%

PRS 89.77
pro-B cell CL0000826

CSI 2.98

rCSI 2.46%

PRS 90.06
secretory cell CL0000151

CSI 2.93

rCSI 3.06%

PRS 87.02
stem cell CL0000034

CSI 2.88

rCSI 2.78%

PRS 83.54
lung neuroendocrine cell CL1000223

CSI 2.85

rCSI 4.22%

PRS 90.32
ionocyte CL0005006

CSI 2.83

rCSI 3.03%

PRS 89.86
oligodendrocyte CL0000128

CSI 2.61

rCSI 7.71%

PRS 78.83
kidney interstitial alternatively activated macrophage CL1000695

CSI 2.59

rCSI 6.75%

PRS 89.35
cerebellar granule cell CL0001031

CSI 2.59

rCSI 3.81%

PRS 82.38
precursor B cell CL0000817

CSI 2.56

rCSI 2.25%

PRS 92.85
duct epithelial cell CL0000068

CSI 2.56

rCSI 3.74%

PRS 91.83
lung ciliated cell CL1000271

CSI 2.53

rCSI 2.93%

PRS 82.06
rod bipolar cell CL0000751

CSI 2.5

rCSI 4.48%

PRS 82.73
M cell of gut CL0000682

CSI 2.45

rCSI 2.61%

PRS 90.63
alveolar macrophage CL0000583

CSI 2.4

rCSI 3.95%

PRS 90.36
multi-ciliated epithelial cell CL0005012

CSI 2.39

rCSI 2.38%

PRS 82.41
common myeloid progenitor CL0000049

CSI 2.38

rCSI 1.92%

PRS 89.87
mature T cell CL0002419

CSI 2.37

rCSI 1.85%

PRS 96.21
dendritic cell, human CL0001056

CSI 2.36

rCSI 3.62%

PRS 94.05
goblet cell CL0000160

CSI 2.32

rCSI 2.2%

PRS 86.02
granulocyte CL0000094

CSI 2.23

rCSI 3.41%

PRS 93.02
ON midget ganglion cell CL4033046

CSI 2.22

rCSI 45.25%

PRS 78.92
cardiac endothelial cell CL0010008

CSI 2.17

rCSI 8.74%

PRS 88.59
enterocyte CL0000584

CSI 2.15

rCSI 3.47%

PRS 85.33
enteroendocrine cell CL0000164

CSI 2.09

rCSI 2.86%

PRS 86.95
OFF midget ganglion cell CL4033047

CSI 2.09

rCSI 42.51%

PRS 79.73
CD14-low, CD16-positive monocyte CL0002396

CSI 2.03

rCSI 1.56%

PRS 91.24
colonocyte CL1000347

CSI 1.99

rCSI 2.85%

PRS 86.8
paneth cell of epithelium of small intestine CL1000343

CSI 1.99

rCSI 5.58%

PRS 91.82
choroid plexus epithelial cell CL0000706

CSI 1.93

rCSI 3.16%

PRS 80.09
megakaryocyte-erythroid progenitor cell CL0000050

CSI 1.93

rCSI 1.74%

PRS 86.96
mesothelial cell CL0000077

CSI 1.87

rCSI 7.32%

PRS 69.61
transit amplifying cell of colon CL0009011

CSI 1.86

rCSI 2.18%

PRS 88.68
chondrocyte CL0000138

CSI 1.85

rCSI 2.95%

PRS 82.86
mucus secreting cell CL0000319

CSI 1.85

rCSI 2.94%

PRS 93.25
amacrine cell CL0000561

CSI 1.85

rCSI 5.37%

PRS 79.11
direct pathway medium spiny neuron CL4023026

CSI 1.71

rCSI 40.92%

PRS 71.24
indirect pathway medium spiny neuron CL4023029

CSI 1.7

rCSI 41.1%

PRS 71.66
intestinal tuft cell CL0019032

CSI 1.68

rCSI 2.56%

PRS 90.46
type B pancreatic cell CL0000169

CSI 1.66

rCSI 3.67%

PRS 88.1
myeloid dendritic cell CL0000782

CSI 1.61

rCSI 2.33%

PRS 96.13
respiratory basal cell CL0002633

CSI 1.58

rCSI 1.64%

PRS 90.15
intermediate monocyte CL0002393

CSI 1.58

rCSI 2.39%

PRS 92.28
extravillous trophoblast CL0008036

CSI 1.57

rCSI 1.94%

PRS 86.64
type L enteroendocrine cell CL0002279

CSI 1.51

rCSI 2.84%

PRS 90.96
L4 intratelencephalic projecting glutamatergic neuron CL4030063

CSI 1.42

rCSI 3.39%

PRS 76.9
small intestine goblet cell CL1000495

CSI 1.27

rCSI 2.78%

PRS 91.03
CD8-positive, CD28-negative, alpha-beta regulatory T cell CL0000920

CSI 1.13

rCSI 2.25%

PRS 95.32
enterocyte of epithelium of large intestine CL0002071

CSI 0.79

rCSI 4.13%

PRS 90.38
invaginating midget bipolar cell CL4033034

CSI 0.72

rCSI 4.26%

PRS 79.55
intestinal crypt stem cell of colon CL0009043

CSI 0.69

rCSI 5.17%

PRS 93.66
L5 extratelencephalic projecting glutamatergic cortical neuron CL4023041

CSI 0.57

rCSI 2.06%

PRS 71.66
central nervous system neuron CL2000029

CSI 0.56

rCSI 4.08%

PRS 78.34

Cell ID: Standard Cell Ontology term used for mapping and comparing cells across experiments. Ensures consistency in analyzing cellular functions across tissues.
Fold Change: Represents the ratio of the current Cell Significance Index to the Cell Significance Index Threshold, indicating how much the gene expression has changed compared to a baseline.
Cell Significance Index: Reflects how strongly a gene is expressed in this specific cell.

Network Configuration

Explore relationships of the current gene. Select an Interaction Source: 'ONTOLOGY' for shared pathways (GO/Reactome) or 'STRING' for protein-protein interactions. Further refine by selecting context genes and comparing Cell Significance Index (CSI) scores between baseline and target cell types and their specific contexts.

Context Genes (max 20):

Interaction Source:

Pathway Categories (for ONTOLOGY source):

Baseline Cell Type:

Baseline Cell Context(s): Comma-separated if multiple.

Target Cell Type:

Target Cell Context(s): Comma-separated if multiple.

Legend:

Query Gene
Node Color (Target Cell CSI, relative to current network):
- Very High
- High
- Medium
- Low
- Very Low
- CSI N/A
Node Size: Proportional to Target Cell CSI magnitude
STRING PPI Edge
Shared Pathway Edge (ONTOLOGY)

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Other Information

This section provides additional information about the gene, including a description generated by an AI language model and details about associated proteins.

Description
Proteins

## Summary [GCNT1](/details-gene/2650) (glucosaminyl (N-acetyl) transferase 1) encodes a key glycosyltransferase known as core 2 beta-1,6-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase. This enzyme is localized to the Golgi apparatus and plays a central role in protein post-translational modification, specifically in the biosynthesis of O-glycans ([GO:0016266](https://www.ebi.ac.uk/QuickGO/term/GO:0016266)). It catalyzes the formation of the core 2 branch structure, a critical step in producing complex O-glycans on secreted and membrane-bound proteins. **Overall**, expression data reveals that [GCNT1](/details-gene/2650) is most significant in secretory and epithelial cell types, particularly within the gastrointestinal tract, such as [enteroendocrine cells of the small intestine](/details-cell/CL0009006) and [mucous neck cells](/details-cell/CL0000651). Its function is integral to processes including the production of mucins, cell adhesion, and leukocyte trafficking, and it is associated with clinical condition [OMIM:600391](https://omim.org/entry/600391). ## Cellular Roles and Expression Landscape The expression profile of [GCNT1](/details-gene/2650) highlights its primary role in glandular and mucosal tissues responsible for secretion and barrier function. The gene shows the highest significance in cells of the gastrointestinal system, including [enteroendocrine cell of small intestine](/details-cell/CL0009006) (CSI: 11.51), [mucous neck cell](/details-cell/CL0000651) (CSI: 9.44), [intestinal epithelial cell](/details-cell/CL0002563) (CSI: 8.22), and [foveolar cell of stomach](/details-cell/CL0002179) (CSI: 4.93). This pattern is consistent with its established role in the O-linked glycosylation of mucins ([R-HSA-913709](https://reactome.org/content/detail/R-HSA-913709)), which are the main protein components of mucus. Beyond the gut, [GCNT1](/details-gene/2650) also exhibits significant expression in other secretory cell types, such as [lung secretory cells](/details-cell/CL1000272) (CSI: 6.50) and [pancreatic A cells](/details-cell/CL0000171) (CSI: 6.12), suggesting a broad role in modifying secreted proteins across different organs. Its activity in these cells is crucial for the proper function of glycoproteins. The gene also shows relevance in some neuronal and vascular populations, including [retinal ganglion cells](/details-cell/CL0000740) (CSI: 5.95) and [cerebral cortex endothelial cells](/details-cell/CL1001602) (CSI: 3.63), indicating that core 2 O-glycosylation may be important for specialized functions in the central nervous system and blood-brain barrier. Expression in [immature B cells](/details-cell/CL0000816) (CSI: 3.33) points to a potential role in the immune system, likely related to the glycosylation of cell surface receptors involved in immune cell trafficking and recognition. ## Pathways and Molecular Function The primary molecular function of [GCNT1](/details-gene/2650) is [beta-1,3-galactosyl-o-glycosyl-glycoprotein beta-1,6-n-acetylglucosaminyltransferase activity](/details-go/GO:0003829), which is essential for [O-glycan processing, core 2](/details-go/GO:0016268). This enzymatic activity occurs within the [Golgi membrane](/details-go/GO:0000139) and [trans-Golgi network](/details-go/GO:0005802), as confirmed by studies on its subcellular localization ([Link](https://doi.org/10.1074/jbc.m112.346528)). The core 2 branched structures created by [GCNT1](/details-gene/2650) are precursors for complex O-glycans that serve as ligands for selectins, a family of cell adhesion molecules. Consequently, [GCNT1](/details-gene/2650) is a key participant in the biological process of [leukocyte tethering or rolling](/details-go/GO:0050901). By modifying cell surface glycoproteins on leukocytes and endothelial cells, it helps generate the sialyl-Lewis X moieties necessary for selectin-mediated adhesion, which is the initial step of leukocyte extravasation during an inflammatory response. This connects its enzymatic function directly to immune surveillance and inflammation. Furthermore, its involvement in broader processes like [glycoprotein biosynthetic process](/details-go/GO:0009101) and [tissue morphogenesis](/details-go/GO:0048729) underscores its fundamental importance in maintaining tissue architecture and homeostasis. ## Research Directions Based on its function and expression pattern, [GCNT1](/details-gene/2650) presents several avenues for further investigation, particularly concerning its role in mucosal biology and inflammatory diseases. **Testable Hypotheses:** 1. Given its high significance in mucin-producing cells of the gut and its function in O-glycosylation, dysregulation of [GCNT1](/details-gene/2650) likely compromises the integrity of the gastrointestinal mucus barrier. We hypothesize that reduced [GCNT1](/details-gene/2650) activity leads to aberrant mucin glycosylation, resulting in a physically weaker mucus layer that is more permeable to pathogens, thereby contributing to the pathology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). 2. The established role of [GCNT1](/details-gene/2650) in synthesizing selectin ligands suggests it is a critical regulator of immune cell trafficking. We hypothesize that [GCNT1](/details-gene/2650) expression in endothelial cells is dynamically regulated during inflammation to control the magnitude of leukocyte recruitment to tissues. Upregulation may facilitate acute inflammatory responses, while its chronic activation could contribute to autoimmune disorders. **Proposed Experiment:** To test the first hypothesis regarding gut barrier function, a compelling approach would be to use CRISPR-Cas9 to generate a [GCNT1](/details-gene/2650) knockout in human intestinal organoids derived from induced pluripotent stem cells. The structure and biophysical properties (e.g., viscosity, pore size) of the mucus layer produced by knockout versus wild-type organoids could be characterized using high-resolution microscopy and rheometry. Glycoproteomic analysis of secreted mucins would confirm the loss of core 2 O-glycans. Subsequently, the barrier function could be directly assessed by measuring the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and permeability to fluorescent dextrans, both at baseline and after challenging the organoids with pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α) or bacterial components (e.g., LPS). **Therapeutic Potential:** [GCNT1](/details-gene/2650) represents a potential therapeutic target, primarily through **inhibition**. In many adenocarcinomas, particularly mucinous subtypes, aberrant glycosylation patterns driven by enzymes like [GCNT1](/details-gene/2650) create tumor-associated antigens and can promote cell invasion and metastasis. Developing specific small-molecule inhibitors for [GCNT1](/details-gene/2650) could be a strategy to normalize glycosylation on cancer cells, potentially reducing their metastatic potential or increasing their susceptibility to immunotherapy. However, a major challenge would be achieving tumor-specific delivery, as systemic inhibition of [GCNT1](/details-gene/2650) could disrupt essential mucosal barriers in healthy tissues, leading to significant off-target toxicity.

Disclaimer: This in-silico analysis is generated by an AI language model and may contain inaccuracies or hallucinations. However, it is cross-referenced with curated gene expression data from major biological sources. Please verify the information before use.

Beta-1,3-galactosyl-O-glycosyl-glycoprotein beta-1,6-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase
Q86T81_HUMAN

Genular Protein ID: 1724406744

Symbol: GCNT1_HUMAN

Name: Beta-1,3-galactosyl-O-glycosyl-glycoprotein beta-1,6-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase

UniProtKB Accession Codes:

Q02742 Q6DJZ4

Database IDs:

Citations:

PubMed ID: 1329093

Title: Expression cloning of a cDNA encoding UDP-GlcNAc:Gal beta 1-3-GalNAc-R (GlcNAc to GalNAc) beta 1-6GlcNAc transferase by gene transfer into CHO cells expressing polyoma large tumor antigen.

PubMed ID: 1329093

DOI: 10.1073/pnas.89.19.9326

PubMed ID: 7579796

Title: Genomic organization of core 2 and I branching beta-1,6-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferases. Implication for evolution of the beta-1,6-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase gene family.

PubMed ID: 7579796

DOI: 10.1093/glycob/5.4.417

PubMed ID: 15164053

Title: DNA sequence and analysis of human chromosome 9.

PubMed ID: 15164053

DOI: 10.1038/nature02465

PubMed ID: 15489334

Title: The status, quality, and expansion of the NIH full-length cDNA project: the Mammalian Gene Collection (MGC).

PubMed ID: 15489334

DOI: 10.1101/gr.2596504

PubMed ID: 23027862

Title: Golgi phosphoprotein 3 determines cell binding properties under dynamic flow by controlling Golgi localization of core 2 N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase 1.

PubMed ID: 23027862

DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.346528

Sequence Information:

Length: 428
Mass: 49799
Checksum: 71D71A251874E1F0
Sequence:

MLRTLLRRRL FSYPTKYYFM VLVLSLITFS VLRIHQKPEF VSVRHLELAG ENPSSDINCT 
KVLQGDVNEI QKVKLEILTV KFKKRPRWTP DDYINMTSDC SSFIKRRKYI VEPLSKEEAE 
FPIAYSIVVH HKIEMLDRLL RAIYMPQNFY CIHVDTKSED SYLAAVMGIA SCFSNVFVAS 
RLESVVYASW SRVQADLNCM KDLYAMSANW KYLINLCGMD FPIKTNLEIV RKLKLLMGEN 
NLETERMPSH KEERWKKRYE VVNGKLTNTG TVKMLPPLET PLFSGSAYFV VSREYVGYVL 
QNEKIQKLME WAQDTYSPDE YLWATIQRIP EVPGSLPASH KYDLSDMQAV ARFVKWQYFE 
GDVSKGAPYP PCDGVHVRSV CIFGAGDLNW MLRKHHLFAN KFDVDVDLFA IQCLDEHLRH 
KALETLKH

Genular Protein ID: 818596117

Symbol: Q86T81_HUMAN

Name: N/A